Moroccan international Bilal El Khannouss has shared a cryptic social media message as uncertainty continues to surround his future, with the 21-year-old still waiting for a move away from Leicester City.
El Khannouss, who has already earned 22 caps for Morocco and scored once at senior international level, has made no secret of his desire to play top-flight football this season. Leicester’s relegation to the Championship has left him eager to secure a transfer, yet despite interest from several Premier League clubs, no deal has been finalised.
Over the summer, Newcastle United were strongly linked with the midfielder and reportedly considered a move as they sought reinforcements for their Champions League campaign. Tottenham Hotspur also monitored his progress, while newly promoted Leeds United were prepared to invest heavily to bring him to Elland Road. None of those approaches, however, materialised into formal agreements.
The closest El Khannouss has come to securing his preferred move was with Crystal Palace. The player is understood to have agreed personal terms with the London club on a four-year contract, but negotiations between Palace and Leicester stalled. Palace’s initial €23m offer was rejected by Leicester, who are determined to maximise value for one of their most promising assets.
As the transfer window edges closer to its conclusion, El Khannouss’s frustration has grown. In a recent Instagram Story, he posted a picture of himself wearing a shirt featuring the words: “AL HAMDOULILAH Whatever happens…”. The message, widely interpreted as a sign of disillusionment, sparked speculation about his mindset as he waits for a breakthrough.
The midfielder’s situation has also led to criticism of his representatives, with some observers on social media platform X suggesting that he is poorly advised and may need to reconsider his management.
Despite the uncertainty, Crystal Palace remain in contention to finalise the transfer. According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Palace are expected to intensify efforts once forward Eberechi Eze’s potential move to Arsenal is completed. Should that deal go through, the Eagles are likely to return with an improved bid for El Khannouss in order to reinforce their midfield.
El Khannouss, formerly of Belgian side Genk, has continued to feature for Leicester while speculation over his future unfolds. This season, he has already appeared in three matches, starting twice and contributing two assists — underlining his ability to influence games even as distractions off the pitch mount.
The Moroccan remains one of the brightest young talents in African football, admired for his creativity, vision and composure in midfield. Yet with only days remaining in the transfer window, his next move is far from certain.
For now, the focus rests on whether Crystal Palace or another suitor will step forward with an offer that satisfies Leicester. Until then, El Khannouss’s career remains in limbo — and his cryptic message has done little to calm the speculation.
