Leeds United are reportedly prepared to meet Bilal El Khannouss’ £24.5 million release clause, but their absence from European competition may hinder efforts to land the Moroccan international.
Leicester City, who have dropped into the Championship, are unlikely to resist a formal offer at the set release clause. However, despite Leeds’ willingness to trigger the clause, convincing the 20-year-old midfielder may prove more difficult than securing the fee.
El Khannouss, regarded as one of Morocco’s most exciting young prospects, is believed to be prioritising a move to a club with continental competition on offer—a demand Leeds are unable to satisfy following their failure to secure European qualification.
While Leeds remain one of the most serious suitors at this stage, their position is weakened by the very factor driving El Khannouss’ potential exit from Leicester—an ambition to play at a higher level, particularly on the European stage.
Other clubs, including Sunderland and RB Leipzig, are also reportedly tracking the player, though they face similar limitations. Neither side will participate in European tournaments this season, which significantly dampens their appeal in the eyes of El Khannouss and his representatives.
In contrast, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are seen as more favourable options, given their upcoming participation in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Their presence in European football, albeit in its third-tier competition, could prove a decisive factor in any negotiations moving forward.
At present, no concrete agreement has been reached with any club. El Khannouss’ future remains unresolved as the summer transfer window enters its decisive phase.
While Leicester’s position appears increasingly precarious amid mounting interest, the midfielder is in no rush to commit without assurances regarding both his role and the club’s ambitions.
This transfer saga has turned into one of the more closely watched developments in the Championship and beyond, as several clubs, each with varying degrees of appeal, circle the highly-rated playmaker.
Leicester’s relegation has placed them in a difficult negotiating position. Though they would prefer to retain the services of a player who offers both creativity and composure in midfield, the financial implications of life in the second tier—and the clarity of the release clause—mean their control is limited.
For now, the El Khannouss situation remains fluid. With the transfer deadline still weeks away, there is room for further twists, particularly if a club in European competition chooses to escalate their interest.
But as things stand, Leeds’ offer may fall short of meeting the player’s ambitions, leaving the outcome finely poised.
The coming days could be decisive in determining whether El Khannouss opts for immediate game time in England’s second tier, or holds out for the European platform he has made no secret of craving.
