Leeds ready to trigger El Khannouss clause as Newcastle transfer twist emerges
Bilal El Khannouss is among the key Leeds targets for the closing weeks of the transfer window.
The Whites are in desperate need of further attacking signings after Tottenham made it clear that Manor Solomon would not be allowed to return to Elland Road this summer.
Links to Igor Paixao had been strong, but the Brazilian eventually opted to join Ligue 1 club Marseille.
Instead, Leeds have identified El Khannouss, who is available on a cut-price deal this summer following Leicester City’s relegation from the Premier League.
Leeds face competition for El Khannouss
El Khannouss kicked off his season on Sunday (10 August) by providing two assists for Leicester as they came from behind to win 2-1 against Sheffield Wednesday.
The Morocco international’s performance was impressive, and would have done very little to quell the interest in him building among Premier League clubs.
El Khannouss had his moments for Leicester last season, too, but struggled under the weight of the Foxes’ impending doom.
| Bilal El Khannouss | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 3 |
One standout performance came early in the season against West Ham, when the 21-year-old scored and assisted to hand Leicester one of their six Premier League wins.
Decision-makers at The King Power Stadium spent £21million to sign the talent from Belgian club Genk last summer, but now face losing the midfielder for just £1.5m more than that, according to the Daily Mirror (12 August, page 56).
The £22.5m price is set by a relegation release clause in El Khannouss’ contract, and Newcastle United and Tottenham, as well as Leeds, are said to be ready to trigger it.
Where would El Khannouss play for Leeds?
El Khannouss is capable of filling the left-wing role that Leeds are looking for this summer, but the Morocco international’s best position is in the centre of the pitch.
That would see the midfielder competing directly with Brenden Aaronson, with the midfielder a clear upgrade on the American.
El Khannouss ranked highly in progressive carries and passes into the final third last season, registering 3.01 and 3.67 every 90 minutes, respectively, according to FBref.
But Daniel Farke could also opt to hand the 21-year-old a less constricted role, playing him from the left and allowing him to drift inside to interact with Aaronson in the half-space when playing together.
Either way, this signing would open a lot of doors for Farke.
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