‘The reality is’… Leicester City boss on Crystal Palace and Leeds United race for Bilal El Khannouss

Bilal El Khannouss at the Centre of Transfer Tug-of-War Between Crystal Palace and Leeds United

Bilal El Khannouss has emerged as a key target in the summer transfer window, with Crystal Palace and Leeds United among the clubs vying for the Leicester City midfielder.

With less than two weeks remaining in the window, a move could be on the horizon for the 21-year-old Moroccan international.

Crystal Palace appear to be leading the race for El Khannouss, especially as they prepare for life after Eberechi Eze, who is reportedly close to finalizing a £70 million switch to Arsenal. Reports suggest that Palace are ramping up negotiations with Leicester to secure a deal for the talented playmaker.

Meanwhile, Leeds United remain in the market for attacking reinforcements, particularly in the No.10 role.

However, they recently confirmed the signing of Noah Okafor from AC Milan—a versatile forward who can play across the front line.

This signing may cool their interest in El Khannouss, depending on how the rest of their recruitment plans unfold.

Leicester City’s Stance on El Khannouss

El Khannouss’ future at Leicester isn’t sealed just yet. Although his release clause has now expired, the Foxes are reportedly demanding up to £30 million for the midfielder.

Manager Marti Cifuentes addressed the growing transfer speculation in a press conference, though he remained guarded on the topic. Speaking to Leicestershire Live, Cifuentes said:

“There’s going to be a lot of speculation and a lot of rumours about our players because they are good players, so I’m not surprised.
That’s the reality, at this stage of the window especially. It’s 10 days left and I assume there’s going to be a lot of speculation.
The reality is that Bilal is with us and he’s a very good player. It’s normal, this speculation, and I will not comment much on that.”

Leeds Narrowing Focus to One Main Target

As the transfer window nears its close, Leeds’ pursuit of a new attacking midfielder seems to be narrowing. While El Khannouss was on their shortlist, Crystal Palace’s lead in negotiations likely takes him out of the running.

Leeds’ shortlist reportedly includes four names: Bilal El Khannouss, Emi Buendia, Gustavo Hamer, and Facundo Buonanotte. However, Buendia appears to have earned a fresh chance at Aston Villa, and Hamer is expected to join PSV, having shown no interest in a move to Elland Road.

That leaves Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte as the most realistic target for Leeds. With the transfer deadline set for September 1st, Daniel Farke may push for the Argentine midfielder—though questions remain over the budget and whether Leeds will make another attacking signing at all.

A potential move for Buonanotte would be another strong addition to Farke’s squad, but it depends on both finances and priorities in the final stretch of the window.