Ibrahim Maza, recruited by Bayer Leverkusen as a potential successor to star midfielder Florian Wirtz, may find his path to first-team football further complicated by the club’s interest in Moroccan international Bilal El Khannouss.
At 19, Maza joined Leverkusen with high expectations, positioned to develop into the creative heart of the team following Wirtz’s departure. However, recent reports indicate that Leverkusen scouts are eyeing El Khannouss as a marquee addition this summer.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the German side have already approached Leicester City for details regarding the 21-year-old midfielder’s potential acquisition.
El Khannouss, despite Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League, has maintained a strong reputation in midfield circles. Renowned for his poise on the ball, incisive passing, and ability to navigate tight spaces, the Moroccan cultivates a playing style that fits neatly into Leverkusen’s emphasis on technical creativity.
His elder international experience with Morocco and reliable performances at club level add to his appeal as a direct competitor to Maza’s long-term ambitions.
Should a transfer materialise, Maza would find himself in a dual challenge: continuing to prove he merits a place in midfield alongside or in place of El Khannouss. On social media platforms such as X, reaction has been swift and divided.
One fan commented, “Maza is in danger before he has played a minute,” while another added, “Maza has only known the Bundesliga 2; El Khannouss offers more guarantees.”
These remarks reflect a growing debate around continuity, potential, and readiness at an elite club.
Though they share key attributes—vision, compact dribbling, and midfield intelligence—the duo’s playing styles are nuanced. Maza has impressed in Germany’s second tier with his movement and creativity, while El Khannouss has polished similar skills against higher-level opposition in England.
The overlap in their profiles suggests the possibility of a tactical partnership, rather than pure competition, depending on Leverkusen’s chosen formation.
Erik ten Hag’s successor at the Rhein, however, is unlikely to employ a 4-2-3-1 with twin playmakers. More probable is a flexible system such as a 3-4-2-1 or dynamic 4-3-3, where both players could occupy advanced midfield roles—one focusing on ball retention and progression, the other cutting inside or drifting wide. Such tactical flexibility could enable complementary coexistence rather than a zero-sum struggle.
Beyond club intrigue, the situation carries wider cultural resonance. A midfield pairing featuring both Algerian and Moroccan internationals would echo a broader Maghreb football narrative.
For decades, footballing rivalries between the two North African nations have carried political and cultural weight. A united front within Mainz, Düsseldorf, or the BayArena would represent a powerful symbol of regional football unity and mutual talent respect.
On the pitch, Leverkusen have already begun moulding a midfield attraction that thrives on technical excellence. With talented players across age groups and nationalities, the club may be on the verge of establishing itself as a continental hub for next-generation Maghreb talent.
For Ibrahim Maza, the arrival of Bilal El Khannouss poses immediate challenges—but also opportunities. It will test his adaptability, confidence, and capacity to push his progress beyond expectations.
For El Khannouss, a move to Germany represents a recognition of his Premier League-season impact and a chance to recast himself in a new environment.
As Leverkusen weigh their options, all eyes will fall on how the club integrates these two young playmakers. Whether viewed as rivals, partners, or catalysts for each other’s development, their stories may soon intertwine—a dynamic twist in the modern scouting, recruitment, and positional development narrative at European football’s cutting edge.
