As the 2025 summer transfer window hurtles toward its September 1 deadline, Crystal Palace are making strategic moves to bolster their squad amid uncertainty over star player Eberechi Eze. Reports emerging this week indicate that Palace have approached Leicester City regarding a potential deal for 21-year-old Moroccan international Bilal El Khannouss, a versatile attacking midfielder viewed as a prime candidate to fill the void if Eze departs. With interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal heating up for Eze, whose £68m release clause is set to expire soon, Palace are proactively lining up replacements to maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League.
Who is Bilal El Khannouss? A Rising Star's ProfileEl Khannouss, born on May 10, 2004, in Belgium, has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of Europe's most promising young talents. He joined Leicester City from Belgian side Genk in the summer of 2024 for around £20m and has since made 32 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists in his debut season. Known for his technical prowess, vision, and ability to unlock defenses, the right-footed attacking midfielder has also earned caps for Morocco, showcasing his international pedigree.His current market value stands at €28m, reflecting his growth and potential. Leicester, however, are holding firm, reportedly valuing him at around £26m and having rejected initial approaches from Palace. Despite interest from clubs like West Ham, Leeds United, and Everton, sources indicate that El Khannouss favors a move to Selhurst Park, which could give Palace an edge in negotiations.Here's a quick look at his key stats from the 2024/25 season:
(Data sourced from Premier League and Transfermarkt)Why the Move? Context and ImplicationsPalace's interest stems directly from the looming possibility of losing Eze, who has been a creative force since joining from QPR in 2020. Tottenham are pushing hard, with talks ongoing, while Arsenal remain in contact but need to offload players first. Manager Oliver Glasner sees El Khannouss as an ideal fit—young, dynamic, and capable of injecting flair into the attack. Palace are also eyeing alternatives like Club Brugge's Christos Tzolis, but El Khannouss appears to be the top target.For Leicester, selling El Khannouss could provide funds for their own squad rebuild, especially if they face financial pressures under Profit and Sustainability Rules. However, they're not desperate to sell, and negotiations could drag on. If the deal materializes, it would represent another shrewd piece of business for Palace, who have already navigated a busy window with signings aimed at mid-table stability.Verdict: Deal on the Horizon?While no formal bid has been submitted yet, the approach signals serious intent from Palace, and with El Khannouss's preference for the move, this could accelerate quickly if Eze's exit is confirmed. Expect updates in the coming days as the window's final fortnight unfolds—football's transfer drama never disappoints. Could this be the spark Palace needs to soar, or will Leicester hold firm?What are your thoughts on El Khannouss as an Eze successor? Share in the comments below!
Metric | Value |
|---|---|
Appearances | 32 |
Goals | 2 |
Assists | 3 |
Pass Accuracy | 87% |
Key Passes per Game | 1.8 |
Dribbles per Game | 2.1 |
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