Leeds United are reported to be leading efforts in signing Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City this summer, following his impressive showing during their turbulent Premier League relegation campaign and subsequent return. Now looking forward to Premier League action again he wants a move back home where Leeds hopes he’s welcome back into top flight football.
Leeds have offered El Khannouss, 21, a weekly wage of PS50,000 per week as evidence of their serious interest. While Newcastle United have shown similar commitment, Leeds appear the more viable choice due to meeting his PS24.5 million release clause and meeting El Khannouss’ PS50 million release clause release clause – making Leeds currently frontrunners for signing him up.
A source close to the negotiations commented on Leeds’s view of El Khannouss as a valuable addition for their midfield, aiming to enhance both the technical quality and depth of the squad.
Widespread Interest in El Khannouss
Although Newcastle has engaged with El Khannouss’s representatives, their pursuit hasn’t progressed significantly. Arsenal had been monitoring the player but has not taken concrete steps. German clubs such as RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen have also included him in their target list for the ongoing transfer window.
Nevertheless, Leeds seems to be pulling ahead in the race, despite no final agreement being in place yet.
Significance of El Khannouss to Leeds’s Ambitions
Leeds are targeting an impressive performance on the transfer market to add players such as El Khannouss to strengthen their squad in preparation for life back in Premier League – something newcomer teams that struggled immediately upon promotion cannot do. This shows their desire and resolve not to repeat recent seasons’ experience when their success faded over time.
Fans believe securing El Khannouss, among other targets, will give manager Daniel Farke all of the tools necessary for an impressive campaign in Ligue 1.