Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss has pledged his commitment to the club despite their relegation from the Premier League, expressing his desire to help guide the Foxes back to the top tier of English football.
The Moroccan international has reportedly assured club officials that he intends to remain at the King Power Stadium for the 2025–26 Championship campaign.
His decision comes at a time when many players often look to move on after relegation, particularly those with high market value and international experience.
El Khannouss, who joined Leicester amid high expectations, has drawn interest from multiple clubs across Europe. A source close to the player, cited by Afeicasoccer, revealed that his contract contains a release clause considered reasonable by current market standards—making him an attractive target in the summer transfer window.
However, the 20-year-old is said to be unfazed by the club’s drop into the second tier and appears determined to play a key role in their immediate recovery.
“The player has made it clear to Leicester City’s management that relegation is not a deterrent,” the source stated. “He’s ready to compete for promotion and sees the club’s project as one worth continuing with.
He respects the decisions being made by the club and remains aligned with their long-term vision.”
El Khannouss, known for his composure on the ball and tactical intelligence in midfield, has also been a consistent presence for the Moroccan national team.
His decision to stay with Leicester is expected to resonate positively with supporters, who are bracing for a summer of uncertainty following the club’s disappointing finish to the 2024–25 season.
While Leicester’s relegation marks a setback for a club that only nine years ago lifted the Premier League title in one of the most remarkable underdog stories in football history, El Khannouss’s commitment signals a potential cornerstone around which manager and staff might rebuild.
Despite the growing speculation surrounding his future, El Khannouss has not publicly commented on any potential move, nor have Leicester made any official statements regarding offers or negotiations involving the player.
What remains clear, however, is the midfielder’s willingness to support the club through what is likely to be a pivotal transition period.
His stance also reflects a level of loyalty and maturity rarely seen in the modern game, where top-flight status often determines player movement.
While many of his teammates are expected to draw interest from Premier League or European sides, El Khannouss appears focused on Leicester’s ambition to bounce back immediately.
Having joined Leicester with high hopes of making an impact in the Premier League, the midfielder now faces a different but equally demanding challenge—navigating the physical and competitive landscape of the Championship. With promotion the clear objective, his experience and quality could prove vital in the months ahead.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Leicester fans will watch closely to see if the club can retain key talent and build a squad capable of securing a swift return to the Premier League. For now, Bilal El Khannouss stands as a symbol of resilience and belief in the Foxes’ future.
