Paraag Marathe has a key aim at Leeds United, and what Ruud van Nistelrooy has said can help him achieve that dream.
After the new additions coming in, the Whites have every chance to fight in the Premier League, but Marathe’s end goal is to compete for European football.
Over £80 million has been spent, but Daniel Farke wants more, and after Leeds failed to sign Igor Paixao, this will only leave them more determined.
Attacking players are still needed, and the manager will know this ahead of a highly important season.
A new target for Leeds has emerged on the scene, as his possible arrival at Elland Road is becoming more concrete, and van Nistelrooy is a big fan.
Leeds United target Bilal El Khannouss can be ‘top player in Champions League’
The name now taking the limelight around the West Yorkshire club is Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss.
Leeds joined the race for El Khannouss as there is a high likelihood that the Moroccan leaves the King Power Stadium this summer after the Foxes’ relegation.
During the 2024/25 campaign, the 21-year-old was arguably Leicester’s most important player, and the previous boss van Nistelrooy thinks he’s destined for great things.
The former Man United striker spoke in a pre-match press conference ahead of a trip to Everton in February 2025 and said, “I think you’re going to see a lot more of him with his age and profile. With his work rate in training, he’s improving on a daily basis.
“The challenge for him is, at his young age, pushing himself to finally know where his ceiling is. His potential is there to be a top player in Europe in the Champions League, I think that’s where his potential is.”
El Khannouss clearly has the ability to achieve great things, which is music to Farke’s ears.
After early talks, Leeds will pay El Khannouss’ £24.5 million release clause, and in the grand scheme of things, it’s an absolute bargain.
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Leeds United should get excited as Ruud van Nistelrooy is bang on with Bilal El Khannouss claim
It’s a bold verdict to make about someone who is only 21 after one season in the Premier League, but the attacking midfielder is that good.
To have played in a struggling Leicester side and still shine bright is hard to do, but the young Morocco international flourished in the top flight.
| Games played | 32 |
| Goal involvements | 5 (2G+3A) |
| Chances created per 90 | 1.72 |
| Dribble success % | 59.6% |
| Touches per 90 | 55.8 |
| Duels won | 116 |
With Leeds likely to be in a similar position as the Foxes, signing the exciting star for just under £25 million would be extraordinary business, as 1.72 chances created per 90 in a team like Leicester is impressive.
Coming from Genk, El Khannouss follows the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Leandro Trossard, as the club’s technical director, Dimitri De Condé, spoke to Breakingthelines in 2022, and said he’d ‘rarely seen such a talent’ at the Belgian side.
His ceiling is very high, and after van Nistelrooy’s experience in the game, it would be tough to argue with the Dutchman’s claim.
Leeds could find their Brenden Aaronson replacement, but also so much more, as the youngster is bound to make it, and Farke can give him that pathway.
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