Leeds United to launch late move for Leicester City star but face "problem" | OneFootball

The 21-year-old could make a late switch to Leeds United

Leeds United are aiming to sign Leicester City forward Bilal El Khannouss during the final stages of the summer window.

The Foxes have picked up victories over Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic during their opening three games of the 2025/26 Championship campaign.

However, it hasn’t been plain sailing for Marti Cifuentes’ side, as they suffered defeat on the road at Deepdale against Preston North End, as well as crashing out of the EFL Cup at the hands of Huddersfield Town.

Leeds United eyeing up move for Bilal El Khannouss

El Khannouss has been linked with an exit away from the King Power Stadium throughout the summer, with parties such as Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace all credited with an interest in the 21-year-old.

Palace seemed to be the playmaker’s most likely destination, but that move collapsed after Leicester City raised their valuation of El Khannouss to £35 million.

According to Football Insider, Leeds United are planning to launch a late move for the Foxes’ talent during the closing days of the transfer window.

Leicester are still holding firm on their asking price for the young prospect’s services, with it stated that a “big transfer fee” will be needed to convince Cifuentes and Co. to cash in.

The appeal of regular playing time reportedly puts Leeds United in pole position to secure El Khannouss’ services, but it is still yet to be seen whether they can satisfy the Foxes’ fiscal demands.

El Khannouss has a contract at the King Power Stadium until the summer of 2028 after joining from Genk last year for a reported £21 million.

The young talent featured 32 times in the Premier League last term, contributing two goals and three assists. This couldn’t prevent Leicester’s relegation but impressed a whole host of top-flight teams.

Losing Bilal El Khannouss at this stage would be a big blow for Leicester City

After such constant rumours, it seemed almost inevitable earlier in the summer that Leicester would be forced to part ways with El Khannouss.

However, after easing their PSR concerns and subsequently raising the 21-year-old’s asking price, it seemed as if the Foxes would just cling on to the talent for the 2025/26 campaign.

A late raid from Leeds United could change that however, and leave Cifuentes with a massive gap in his team.

Although his transfer fee would help the club a lot and allow them to reinvest in the squad, time is running out in the window and there are just mere days left to complete business.

Therefore, if El Khannouss is acquired by Leeds United, Leicester City may struggle tremendously to replace the playmaker and that could prove costly across 46 games.