West Ham make approach to sign El Khannouss, Leicester powerless to stop £22.5m deal
West Ham have recently been linked with a move for Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss.
The attacking midfielder was one of the Foxes’ few bright sparks last season, picking up eight goal contributions despite their relegation.
Therefore, West Ham have considered making a move for El Khannouss in order to add more goals to their attack.
Now, the transfer saga has developed further as Graham Potter looks to secure another signing.
El Khannouss has £22.5m release clause at Leicester
After now being relegated from the Premier League, Leicester are preparing for life back in the Championship.
However, according to talkSPORT (16 July), they may have to do it without El Khannouss.
The report explains that the 21-year-old has a £22.5 million release clause at the Foxes, despite signing for the East Midlands club for £20m last summer.
As a result, multiple teams are interested in acquiring the Moroccan international, including Sunderland and Nottingham Forest.
However, Everton, West Ham, and Monaco have now all made checks on the El Khannouss.
Saudi clubs have also enquired, but it is thought that the attacking midfielder wants to stay in Europe.
Many of Leicester’s supporters viewed El Khannouss as a “lone bright spark” in the last campaign.
West Ham need to quickly finalise El Khannouss deal
Given El Khannouss’ contributions in a very poor Leicester side last season, there is no question that he would be a fantastic asset for West Ham.
However, with multiple clubs interested in purchasing the attacking midfielder, Potter has to act fast to get the deal done.
| Bilal El Khannouss at Leicester City in the 2024/25 season | |
| Appearances | 36 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 5 |
For £22.5m there will not be many better players available on the market for this price, and it feels inevitable that interest will increase over the coming weeks.
Therefore, if Potter wants the Moroccan international, he has no time to waste to ensure El Khannouss arrives at the London Stadium this summer.
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