Leeds United have made an formal enquiry over a deal to sign Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss this summer, GIVEMESPORT sources understand.
The Whites have had a busy summer transfer window as Daniel Farke looks to add to his 100-point Championship-winning side, with all of Lukas Nmecha, Sebastian Bornauw, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach, Jaka Bijol and Lucas Perri completing moves to Elland Road.
But the 49ers aren’t done yet in their bid to build a squad capable of being competitive in the Premier League, and the Moroccan has now emerged as a target.
Leeds Make Approach for El Khannouss
Playmaker wants to move after relegation
El Khannouss, who has been described as a ‘sensational prospect’ by scout and analyst Ben Mattinson, was one of the few bright sparks for the Foxes in the Premier League in 2024/25 as they suffered an immediate return to the Championship.
The Morocco international joined in a £21m deal from Genk last summer, but GIVEMESPORT sources understand that there was a release clause worth €26m (£22.5m) included in the player’s contract in the event of relegation, which is now active.
Leeds are one of the clubs who see that as a great market opportunity, and they have now made contact with Leicester to find out the terms of a deal.
Bilal El Khannouss’ Premier League statistics – Leicester squad ranking
Stats
Output
Squad rank
Appearances
32
4th
Goals
2
=5th
Key Passes Per Game
1.3
1st
Shots Per Game
0.9
=5th
Dribbles Per Game
1.1
3rd
Match rating
6.55
8th
West Ham United are also showing an interest in the 21-year-old, while Saudi giants Al-Ahli are also keen on a deal. Several clubs have already made contact with Leicester about a deal, and an exit is believed to be possible between now and the deadline on September 1st.
El Khannouss is understood to be keen on a move away from the King Power Stadium as he wants to play at the highest level.
Reports from France claimed on Thursday afternoon that the Peacocks had met with the player’s camp in the last 24 hours and informed them that they would be willing to pay his release clause.
Leeds are looking to upgrade their forward options after Farke told Patrick Bamford that he was not part of his plans for the upcoming season following several injury hit seasons, while young striker Mateo Joseph has asked to leave the club to return to Spain.
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All statistics courtesy of WhoScored – correct as of 31/07/2025.
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