One of Leeds United’s principal summer transfer targets has explained why his proposed move to the Premier League collapsed in the closing stages of the window.
Daniel Farke was linked with a host of attacking talents in the summer transfer window as he looked to add more firepower to his forward line.
Leeds have struggled for goals at times this season, and Farke made no secret of his frustration at the club’s inability to strengthen his attack.
Bilal El Khannouss was one of the most prominent names linked with a move to Leeds in the summer, having been relegated from the Premier League with Leicester City last season.
Now, El Khannouss has explained why he failed to seal a return to the English top flight in the summer, having left Leicester to join Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.
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Bilal El Khannouss opens up on Premier League transfer interest
Speaking to Foot Mercato, El Khannouss has shared the real reason that his proposed move to a Premier League club fell through.
El Khannouss was Leeds’ number one target as the transfer window drew to a close; however, according to the midfielder, no Premier League club was willing to meet his release clause.
El Khannouss said: “The Premier League has always been a priority for the last transfer window. I was in contact with a lot of clubs, advanced negotiations with a lot of clubs too.
“In the end, it didn’t work out. Stuttgart have always been there. I think it was the right time. They trusted me, I trusted them, and I think it’s a very good match.
He added: “I was on a lot of lists, but really concrete, it was more clubs like Crystal Palace, Newcastle, a little bit, clubs like that, and in the end it didn’t work out.
“What I didn’t understand is that I had a release clause, I had a release clause, and there was no club that wanted to pay. We managed to find a deal with Stuttgart. I’m very happy to be here, even though things haven’t been easy.”
Former Leeds United transfer target has started well with Stuttgart
After receiving early praise with Stuttgart, El Khannouss has impressed in the Bundesliga following his switch late in the transfer window.
According to FotMob, El Khannouss has started 10 league games, with one substitute appearance for the German side this season, earning an average rating of 7.38 in those games.
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The Moroccan international has scored two league goals and registered three assists, as well as scoring three goals in the Europa League, to take his overall tally to five goals in 19 games in all competitions.
Reports suggested that Leicester were demanding £35 million from Leeds for the signature of El Khannouss. Having eventually paid just 25 million euros to complete the deal, Stuttgart appear to have secured a bargain in the market.
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