Leeds United must be on alert as Leicester City make Brenden Aaronson replacement available for £22m

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Leeds United need to upgrade multiple areas of their team this summer, especially with more differentials at the top and bottom end of the pitch.

That means a sizeable upgrade to the goalkeeping position, as well as two or three attacking players of serious quality who can be match-winners via moments of individual brilliance and sheer inspiraition.

One player who has not been decisive enough in terms of output is Brenden Aaronson. The USMNT midfielder is a frustrating figure within the Leeds fanbase, with many hopeful he would be able to contribute to more goals and assists and voicing their issues with Aaronson recently.

Finding a No.10 will, undoubtedly, be on the agenda for Leeds this summer. The Whites have to sign someone with intensity off the ball but far more quality on it in the way of goals and assists. Tying players down to longer contracts is also vital, but Aaronson is not one who requires that yet.

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Bilal El Khannouss should replace Brenden Aaronson at Leeds

Nine goals and plenty of pressing off the ball helped Leeds to the league title, but it’s obvious that he is not of starting quality for a side in the Premier League. More quality is required to make more of those transitional moments on the counter-attack.

One way Leeds can add quality is by signing the best players from the relegated sides, especially those of peak age or pre-peak age. One of the most inevitable exits for Leicester City appears to be that of Bilal El Khannouss.

The playmaker is a set-piece taker, with plenty of flair and creativity in his boots. The attacking midfielder has been a bright spark in a remarkably bleak season for the Foxes, with his dribbling and invention often conjuring up their best moments in games.

He was signed from Belgian side Genk for £21 million. That was last summer after promotion. However, journalist Sacha Tavolieri has claimed that the 20-year-old playmaker could be available for as little as €26 million (£22.1 million) this summer following their relegation.

With Leicester only looking for a little more than breaking even on their fee, there are likely to be several clubs in the Premier League and across Europe now interested due to his availability. It would be negligent if Leeds didn’t throw their hat into the ring.

Knowing he is young enough to develop and fulfill more of his potential, all while having a full year of bulking up in the Premier League is only going to have served El Khannouss well this year. He should be a better player with more quality around him, which is Leeds’ aim to consolidate in the top flight.

The Moroccan international would also hold resale value in spades, meaning you’re likely to either see a return on investment via survival or through selling him in the coming seasons when he refined more as a footballer.

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Bilal El Khannouss’ attacking numbers could explode for Leeds

El Khannouss is an exciting player, even if his numbers for goals and assists don’t yet jump off the page. Leicester have had a dismal season and his quality is undeniable in spite of that.

With wingers making forward runs off the shoulder and in behind, and better quality to combine with in central spaces, there is no doubt that El Khannouss could explode into being a much better player than what he has shown this term.

He turns 21 this week, so is many years off his peak. But his combination of vision, ball-carrying, and his propensity to shoot on site all make him an intriguing prospect. His set-piece ability alone is worth buying for when Joe Rothwell’s loan spell ends.