(Credit: Imago/Premier League on Youtube)
Thu 31 July 2025 14:35, UK
Leeds have reportedly firmed up their interest in Leicester star Bilal El Khannouss.
Leeds are understood to be willing to meet the £24.5M release clause in his contract with the Championship outfit.
That could spell trouble for Brenden Aaronson, who has been wildly inconsistent in his time at Elland Road.
Here, MOT Leeds News looks at which player would suit Daniel Farke‘s side best.
Farke is looking for fresh blood in his squad. (Credit: Imago)Player Profiles: Style, Age and Market Value
Aaronson is a 24-year-old American attacking midfielder, who has featured 87 times for the Whites in all competitions and has 53 caps for his country.
He joined from Red Bull Salzburg in 2022, after spells with Bethlehem Steel and Philadelphia Union in his homeland.
Meanwhile, El Khannouss joined the Foxes in in 2024 after two seasons with Belgian side Genk, who he spent two seasons with, making a total of 94 appearances.
Aaronson and El Khannouss’ general stats.2024-25 League Stat Comparison: El Khannouss v Aaronson
El Khannouss spent last season playing in the Premier League for the Foxes, while Aaronson was in the second tier.
Aaronson v El Khannouss’ stats in the league last season.
The current Peacocks ace beats his potential competition in all metrics, however, it is vital to consider that he was playing in a lower league, so the stats will always come out in his favour.
Aaronson’s last stint in the top-flight saw him get bullied, with just one goal and three assists as the Whites were relegated, and the Moroccan international registered more contributions than that last season in a worse team.
Overall Style of Play
Aaronson is known for his high work rate and pressing ability, with his passing and creativity his best asset when he is on form for the Elland Road team.
However, his decision-making is questionable as he often over-dribbles and loses possession or fires shots wide of the target when there is a better option.
El Khannous is also a technically gifted player, who boasts excellent close control skills and the ability to dribble past opponents in tight spaces.
He has intelligent movement, is able to find space to receive the ball and turn it into a promising attack and is extremely composed in possession, which is something that Aaronson lacks.
The Whites’ faithful can be frustrated by Aaronson. (Credit: Imago)Tactical Fit: Who Suits Daniel Farke’s 4-2-3-1 Formation Best?
El Khannous would arguably fit Farke’s system better in LS11 as his decision-making and ability to dictate tempo would be crucial for the Whites, especially when they transition between defence and attack.
Aaronson has a tendency to rush things, which can make Leeds lose the ball while in promising areas of the pitch, which would be very detrimental in the top-flight.
El Khannous
- Technical ability, composure and passing range make him a better fit
- Incisive passes, controls the tempo and can dictate the game
- Well-rounded, capable of pressing and winning the ball back
Aaronson
- Great energy and workrate
- Inconsistent in decision making, leading to turnovers
- Struggled previously with physical demands of Premier League football
Final Verdict: Should Leeds sign El Khannous
Ultimately, if Leeds can upgrade on Aaronson, they should.
A deal for El Khannous makes sense, as he is only going to increase his stock in the next few seasons after a solid first season in the English top-flight
Meanwhile, Aaronson’s seems to be declining, after several inconsistent campaigns for the Whites.
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