Bilal El Khannouss A Wanted Man: Which Premier League Clubs Would He Benefit the Most?
Premier League Blog
Bilal El Khannouss A Wanted Man: Which Premier League Clubs Would He Benefit the Most?
The Premier League has a new 'Most Wanted' list, and at the very top is a Moroccan playmaker named Bilal El Khannouss. From Newcastle and Sunderland to Leeds, West Ham, and Tottenham, the number of clubs linked with the 21-year-old could be mistaken for a cycling tour of England, with everyone competing for pole position.
Despite lining up for Leicester City in their Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday, El Khannouss appears to be days away from a move back to the top flight, with a rumoured release clause of around £24.5 million enough to seal the deal. In his Championship inception, El Khannouss registered two assists, five shots, and a 9.0 FotMob rating. Linking up with Jordan Ayew, Abdul Fatawu, and Stephy Mavididi to dominate the Owls.
No player created more chances, created more big chances or provided more assists than Bilal El Khannouss in the Championship this weekend. 👏
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 10, 2025
◉= Most chances created (4)
◉ Most big chances created (3)
◉ Most assists (2)
The 21-year-old was fantastic. 💫 pic.twitter.com/LCkb8PnG01
The attacking midfielder’s destination is yet to be revealed, amid rumours of a move to not only England, but also France and Germany. El Khannouss may have suffered Premier League relegation in May, but there's no doubt of his natural talent, making him a valuable asset who could benefit many clubs at the top.
The Magpies' Next Midfield Maestro?
It has been a challenging window for Newcastle United to say the least. Between the drama of Alexander Isak’s move away to the failed attempt to sign Benjamin Sesko, James Trafford, and Hugo Ekitike, there has been little success. However, the completed purchase of Malick Thiaw earlier this week indicated that things were beginning to take an upward turn.
Under Eddie Howe, Newcastle have become incredibly effective at pressing and counter-attacking. However, they sometimes struggle to break down teams that sit deep and deny them space. El Khannouss’ excellent vision, precise passing, and ability to execute defence-splitting through balls would allow Newcastle to unlock even the most stubborn of defences.
⚫️⚪️ Newcastle 🤝 relegated talent.
— Olly Hawkins (@Olly_Hawk) August 11, 2025
✍️ Nick Pope - Burnley (2022)
✍️ Tino Livramento - Southampton (2023)
✍️ Harvey Barnes - Leicester (2023)
✍️ Will Osula - Sheff Utd (2024)
✍️ Aaron Ramsdale - Southampton (2025)
🇲🇦 Bilal El Khannouss - ❓
All for a market opportunity.#NUFC pic.twitter.com/NCbVqDZwW6
An excellent value signing of El Khannouss would certainly ease the pain inflicted on those at St. James’ Park this summer. He would provide a much-needed attacking reinforcement for a team who are competing in the Champions League this season.
A Statement Signing for Sunderland
If El Khannouss wants to become the main man around town at his new club, then the opposite side of Tyne and Wear might be a better option. Sunderland have made serious moves in the market this summer, with the likes of Simon Adingra, Granit Xhaka, and Reinildo Mandava joining the Black Cats.
At the Stadium of Light, El Khannouss could establish a relationship with Enzo Le Fee, Patrick Roberts, and the aforementioned Adingra, in what would be a dynamic set of advanced players to operate behind their striker.
After the signing of Omar Alderete, Sunderland now move to 2nd on the list of the most money spent by clubs promoted to the Premier League 🤑 Will they beat the drop? pic.twitter.com/y4ealQopvB
— Transfermarkt.co.uk (@TMuk_news) August 12, 2025
Sunderland have relied on young players to get them back into the Premier League. El Khannouss would represent the next phase of that project. As a player who has already proven he can perform at the top level, even in a struggling team, his signing would signal to the rest of the league that Sunderland isn't just content with staying up; they have aspirations to build a team that can compete in the top half of the table.
Filling in for Maddison
When James Maddison was stretchered off in the 84th minute of Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season clash with Newcastle, panic alarms began to ring. Thomas Frank will be without the attacking midfielder’s services for most of the season now due to a nasty ACL injury. One small occurrence has now shifted the club's transfer plans, as Spurs look to replace what was a key cog in their system.
El Khannouss would be more than just a replacement for Maddison; he would be Tottenham's 'Maddison 2.0’, a younger, highly-skilled successor with a similar playing style. What makes the 21-time-capped Moroccan international such an ideal fit is his readiness to take on pressure, as a player who can contribute immediately while also becoming a cornerstone of their future success.
The goal from Bilal El Khannouss that confirmed @LCFC's win against Spurs! pic.twitter.com/YW2apodgLr
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 26, 2025
The Hammer's New Architect?
West Ham United placed 16th in the Premier League last season for big chances created, and 17th for shots on target. Often lacking a creative spark, even more so now that they are without Mohamed Kudus. The Irons might be prioritising Harvey Elliott in their pursuit of a creative midfielder, but are still maintaining interest in El Khannouss, especially as Leicester need to sell in order to balance their financial books.
Graham Potter is trying to implement a more possession-based, progressive style at the London Stadium. El Khannouss provide the much-needed link to get the ball to players like Jarrod Bowen and the rest of their attacking threats in more dangerous positions. He would add an element of control and creativity that West Ham has often been missing, making them less predictable and a more difficult team to play against.
🇲🇦 Bilal El Khannouss vs West Ham ⚒️
— 𝙇𝘾𝙁𝘾 𝙎𝙋 (@LCFCshitposting) December 4, 2024
❓ 3 Big Chances Created
↩️ 3 Interceptions
♻️ 3 Ball Recoveries
🌪️ 2/2 Successful Dribbles
🎯 1/1 Shots on Target
🅰️ 1 Goal Assisted
⚽ 1 Goal Scored
Absolutely huge shift from Bilal 🎩🪄#LCFC pic.twitter.com/YsjPhuDCQZ
A New Chapter at Elland Road?
Leeds United have been big spenders this summer, investing in an entirely new back line in a bid to achieve the near-impossible: survive the Premier League as a newly promoted team. Imposing defensive signings like Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Anton Stach, and Lucas Perri have bolstered the Whites' chances of keeping a clean sheet. Yet going forward, there have been few improvements.
El Khannouss would be Leeds' 'unlocker.' He is the type of player who can operate in the small pockets of space in the final third, finding the right angles and delivering the precision passes that create clear-cut chances. His vision and composure on the ball would be a huge asset in Farke's system, allowing Leeds to turn their possession into genuine goal-scoring opportunities.
🟠)Eberechi Eze (27) £70m
— Chef. Sarrpreme2.0 (@SB8308715342770) August 9, 2025
🔵)Nico Paz (20) £60m
🟢)Bilal El Khannouss (21) £22.5m
Elliot, Grealish are not in range to compare minutes, positions! pic.twitter.com/TG5cHExFR8
The Next Step for a Rising Star
El Khannouss’ future club might not be confirmed yet, but due to his release clause expiring on the 15th August, in two days, time is running out to activate the cut-price opportunity. The 21-year-old might’ve only picked up two goals and three assists in his debut Premier League season, but at a stronger team, would see his contributions total grow. Especially as he is young and eager to continue competing at the highest level. Ultimately, while many clubs are looking for their missing piece, only one will succeed in making his Premier League dream a reality.
Louis Wheeldon 
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