Leeds United Plan To Activate Release Clause Of This Leicester City Playmaker: Smart Move From The Whites? | OneFootball

If a recent transfer update from Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna is believed to be true, Leeds United are ready to trigger Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss’ £24.5m release clause. The whites held positive talks with the player’s camp, as they must activate the clause before it expires on 15th August.

The 21-year-old Belgium-born Moroccan international progressed through the academy ranks of Anderlecht and Genk before breaking into the latter’s senior squad in 2022. Soon, he secured a regular status in the middle of the park, and eventually completed a  £21m move to King Power last summer upon Leicester’s promotion to the Premier League after winning the Championship title.

Although the Foxes had a dreadful campaign leading to relegation, El Khannouss was a rare shining light with his flair and creative spark in and around the attacking third. He scored thrice and laid it on five times in 36 appearances for the East Midlands outfit, and could now ply his trade in West Yorkshire, which could be another survival battle for the youngster in the top-flight of English football.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 03: Bilal El Khannouss of Leicester City is put under pressure by Jan Bednarek and Ryan Manning of Southampton during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Southampton FC at The King Power Stadium on May 03, 2025, in Leicester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The Peacocks have missed out on several targets so far this window, with Feyenoord forward Igor Paixao being the latest name to reject them in favour of a transfer to Olympique Marseille. This could happen again for Leeds, given Crystal Palace’s interest in the Leicester playmaker. However, the Eagles are prioritising Eberechi Eze’s sale to Arsenal, and a deal, therefore, needs to be struck at the earliest before the Londoners hijack the transfer.

Why Leeds United Are Chasing His Signing

Primarily a ‘number 10’, El Khannouss is also efficient as a left-sided attacker for his ability to cut-inside and use his stronger right foot as an inverted winger. He would fit in perfectly in Daniel Farke’s 4-2-3-1 set-up, with summer signings Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff expected to drive the show from the deep as the ‘double pivot’. Brenden Aaronson would be challenged for the free role behind Joël Piroe. Also, his versatility might be utilised on the left to replace Manor Solomon.

The Tottenham star enjoyed a blistering loan stint, as he scored 10 goals and registered 12 assists in 39 league games. But he is now back at the Lane, leaving Leeds United with Largie Ramazani as the only outright left-winger. The gaffer views Daniel James, Jack Harrison and Wilfried Gnonto as the right-sided options, and despite the Moroccan’s expertise, the club must snap up a wide forward with better numbers upfront.

Hailed for his quick feet, close ball control, agility, swift movements, defence-splitting through passes, and the ability to occupy the tight spaces, El Khannouss’ presence would boost the Whites high up the pitch. Farke must deploy him as a midfield attacker to make things easy for Piroe while spearheading the attack.