Bayer Leverkusen Target Leicester's Bilal El Khannouss

Morocco World

3 days ago

Rabat — Moroccan international and Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss is currently under Bayer Leverkusen's radar as they look to fill the void left by Florian Wirtz's departure to Liverpool.
The 21-year-old Moroccan international finds himself in an uncertain position after Leicester's relegation to the Championship following their 18th-place finish in the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Despite the Foxes' struggles, El Khannouss showed promise during his debut campaign in English football.
Leicester signed El Khannouss from Belgian club Genk last summer for £21 million. During his 32 Premier League appearances, the midfielder showed prowess, delivering solid performances despite his team's disappointing results and scoring two goals and three assists.
Now, Leverkusen sees an opportunity. The German club recently sold their star playmaker Wirtz to Liverpool for a massive £116 million, leaving them with both the funds and the need to find a creative spark for their midfield.
According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Leverkusen has already made contact regarding El Khannouss' terms. The Bundesliga runners-up had tracked the young midfielder during his time at Genk and now view this summer as the perfect moment to make their move.
Manager Erik ten Hag wants to bring El Khannouss to the BayArena, where he would link up with fellow Moroccan Amine Adli.
The club sees the Leicester man as the ideal candidate to help maintain their creative output following significant squad changes.
Leverkusen won't have a clear path to El Khannouss, though. Wolverhampton Wanderers have also shown interest, reportedly considering him as a potential replacement for Matheus Cunha.
The transfer looks feasible from a financial standpoint. Reports suggest El Khannouss has a release clause worth £22 million in his Leicester contract. For Leverkusen, flush with cash from the Wirtz sale, meeting that figure shouldn't present major obstacles.
El Khannouss faces a crucial decision about his future. He can either help Leicester bounce back to the Premier League or take the next step in his career with a move to Germany's top flight.
The Atlas Lion has already proven he can compete at the highest level during his Premier League stint. A switch to Leverkusen would offer him the chance to play Champions League football and continue his development under ten Hag's guidance.
With Leicester's relegation confirmed and Leverkusen's genuine interest, this transfer story could develop quickly as the summer window progresses.