adminLeicester City Determined to Keep Star Players Despite Financial Struggles
Despite pressing financial concerns and the need to sell, Leicester City remain determined to hold on to their top talent.
Manager Marti Cifuentes has already seen one major departure this summer, with goalkeeper Mads Hermansen making the move to West Ham United. Several other first-team players are also expected to leave, as the Foxes look to balance the books.
Transfer activity at the King Power Stadium has been minimal, with 38-year-old Asmir Begovic being the only new arrival so far. Outgoings appear far more likely than any significant incomings.
One player drawing considerable interest is Bilal El Khannouss. The young Moroccan has caught the eye of Premier League side Newcastle United, while Championship clubs Leeds United and Sunderland are also said to be monitoring the situation.
According to EFL Analysis, Leicester are only prepared to part ways with El Khannouss if a bid comes close to his release clause, which reportedly expired on August 14.
Chief Football Correspondent Graeme Bailey told EFL Analysis:
“I don’t necessarily think a club would need to meet the release clause exactly, but Leicester will want something very close.
A move to the Premier League looks most likely – that’s where the financial muscle is. Right now, there’s no standout favourite to sign him, but plenty of top-flight clubs are interested.”
El Khannouss recently impressed in a match against Sheffield Wednesday, although he missed a penalty in Leicester’s Carabao Cup shootout loss to Huddersfield Town. However, that moment is unlikely to impact his market value.
While selling El Khannouss could ease immediate financial pressures, losing a player of his quality would be a major long-term setback for Cifuentes and the club. Replacing a talent of his calibre – especially in the Championship – would be a significant challenge.
Instead, Leicester may be better off offloading fringe players and clearing unwanted wages to raise funds, rather than sacrificing one of their brightest young stars.
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