Sky Sports: Crystal Palace ‘Close’ to Signing £32m Midfielder | OneFootball

Crystal Palace Weighing El Khannouss Deal While Eyeing Dibling Option

Crystal Palace are edging closer to a £32m agreement with Leicester City for forward Bilal El Khannouss, according to a report from Sky Sports. Talks have reached a stage where “there is broad agreement between Palace and Leicester over how the payments for El Khannouss would be structured,” but officials at Selhurst Park are understood to be pausing before fully committing.

This deliberate step reflects the club’s wider transfer strategy, as Palace continue to weigh up other attacking options. Among them is Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, a player who has been on the radar for some time. Sky Sports highlighted that “the South London club have had a long-term interest in Dibling. They made an offer for him in January.”

Transfer Considerations Shaping Palace Strategy

The attraction of El Khannouss is clear. At just 21 years old, the Morocco international has been widely tipped as a future star, impressing with his ability to carry the ball through midfield and link play in advanced areas. For Palace, who are set to lose Eberechi Eze to Tottenham in a £60m move, the need for a creative spark is pressing.

Yet despite the progress with Leicester, Palace chiefs are exercising caution. The club are mindful of squad balance and the financial commitment required to land such a player. Sky Sports note that “progress has been temporarily halted while the Palace bosses consider their options.”

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Dibling Pursuit Remains Active

Tyler Dibling represents another intriguing possibility. Southampton have placed a valuation of more than £45m on the 19-year-old winger, which makes the deal significantly more complex. Palace are not alone in monitoring him, with Everton having seen three bids rejected already.

For Palace, the attraction lies in Dibling’s technical ability and versatility in wide positions. The move would come at a higher cost, yet his long-term potential fits with the club’s model of developing young talent. Palace fans will recall that in January, the club attempted to prise him away from St Mary’s, underlining the sustained level of interest.

Implications for the Remainder of the Window

With just under two weeks left in the transfer window, Palace face important decisions. Balancing the squad, managing the potential departure of key figures like Eze and possibly Marc Guehi, and adding fresh attacking impetus all represent critical tasks.

El Khannouss looks the more attainable option at present, yet the willingness of Palace to keep the Dibling discussions alive shows a club intent on exploring every possible avenue. As Sky Sports conclude, “Dibling remains one of three forward options Everton are looking at with two weeks left including Malick Fofana and Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu,” highlighting the competitive nature of the market.

For Palace, the next fortnight will shape not only the season ahead but also the club’s medium-term future.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From the perspective of a Crystal Palace supporter, this latest development raises both excitement and nerves. After an opening day 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge, Palace showed defensive solidity but lacked the cutting edge in attack. The potential arrival of Bilal El Khannouss would add flair and creativity, qualities that could help compensate for the impending departure of Eberechi Eze. At £32m, the deal feels like a calculated risk, especially given the player’s youth and room for development.

The mention of Tyler Dibling, however, is a fascinating subplot. Palace made an approach in January, and the ongoing interest suggests he is viewed as a long-term project. Yet at £45m+, it feels like a deal that may be a step too far in this window. With Southampton firm on their valuation, it is difficult to see Palace stretching to that level unless further significant sales are completed.

The bigger concern is Marc Guehi. With Liverpool monitoring him at around £35m, losing both Eze and Guehi in the same window would be a hammer blow. It underlines the importance of smart reinvestment. El Khannouss may be the more affordable gamble compared to Dibling, but for many Palace fans, the priority remains holding on to Guehi and finding a proven forward to add guaranteed goals.