Newcastle United Want to Hijack Leeds United’s Move for £24.5m Midfielder – Report | OneFootball

Newcastle United in the Mix for Bilal El Khannouss: A New Challenge for Leeds United

Leicester City’s rising star, Bilal El Khannouss, has found himself at the centre of a fierce transfer battle this summer. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who has already shown his mettle in the Premier League, is now reportedly being courted by a number of clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and, most recently, Newcastle United. This sudden shift could disrupt Leeds United’s plans, as the newly promoted club had been one of the frontrunners for his signature.

Leeds United’s Plans and Recent Setbacks

Under the guidance of Daniel Farke, Leeds United is focused on enhancing their attacking options after a relatively quiet summer. The departure of Mateo Joseph and Joe Gelhardt to Real Mallorca and Hull City respectively, coupled with Farke’s decision to exclude Patrick Bamford from his first-team plans, has left Leeds with only Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha to lead the line. This void in the attack has heightened their pursuit of El Khannouss, who had already piqued the interest of the Whites during the transfer window.

Unfortunately for Leeds, their pursuit of the Leicester midfielder could now face significant obstacles. As reported by The Telegraph, Newcastle United have entered the race, and their entry could complicate matters. Leeds had been aware of the young talent’s release clause, believed to be in the region of £24.5 million, and were keen on securing a deal. However, Newcastle’s ambition, fuelled by their expanding squad, may put the Magpies in pole position for his signature.

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The Impact of El Khannouss on Leicester and Newcastle

El Khannouss has been instrumental in Leicester’s early Championship campaign, registering two assists in their opening match of the season against Sheffield Wednesday. His performances have reaffirmed his value to the Foxes, who are hoping to keep him amid financial constraints linked to the EFL’s Profitability and Sustainability (PSR) rules.

Newcastle United’s interest in the Belgian-born Morocco international is primarily to bolster their attacking midfield. This addition would offer Eddie Howe another dynamic option in the final third, potentially complementing the likes of Alexander Isak. While El Khannouss is valued at €28 million (£24.2 million) according to Transfermarkt, his release clause could offer Newcastle the opportunity to land a player of significant promise for a relatively reasonable price.

The Magpies are also dealing with uncertainty surrounding their star striker, Isak, whose future remains in the balance. This uncertainty, combined with the ongoing competition from other top-tier clubs, makes El Khannouss a key target for Newcastle, especially as they look to strengthen their squad in preparation for the new season.

Leicester’s Financial Struggles and Potential Sales

For Leicester, the financial landscape is a challenging one. The sale of Mads Hermansen to West Ham United for a reported £15 million has been part of their strategy to balance the books, and El Khannouss’ sale could be another step towards easing their financial woes. Given the looming EFL charges and the club’s need for further financial stability, offloading a player like El Khannouss would make sense.

With a price tag around £24.5 million and the possibility of Newcastle swooping in, Leicester’s plans for the midfielder may need to change. For now, though, it seems they are holding firm, hoping that their star asset remains at the club for another season.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Newcastle United fan, the recent developments regarding Bilal El Khannouss have stirred excitement within the fanbase. The possibility of signing this talented attacking midfielder could be a game-changer for Eddie Howe’s squad. While Leeds United had initially been the front-runners, the fact that Newcastle is now in the mix gives us hope that our ambitions are being recognised on the transfer market.

El Khannouss’ skills have certainly impressed many, particularly with his impressive start to the season for Leicester. The fact that his release clause is reportedly set at £24.5 million represents a significant opportunity for Newcastle to acquire a player who could elevate our midfield options and add another layer of creativity alongside players like Bruno Guimaraes.

With the uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak’s future, bolstering the attacking department is becoming even more important. If Howe can secure El Khannouss, it would not only be a brilliant piece of business but also a statement of intent for the future. The signing would also underline the club’s growing stature in the Premier League under the current ownership.

In summary, if Newcastle can secure El Khannouss’ services, it would be a move that boosts the squad depth significantly. The Magpies’ rise as a force in the Premier League is only accelerating, and this transfer could mark yet another step towards future success.