The Bilal El Khannouss transfer saga is about to come to an end, and it is bad news for Leeds United. The Leicester City star is finally on the move after a summer-long window of rumours.
Leeds have been linked with the Morocco international for some time, even prior to his release clause expiring. Even in the final hours of the transfer window, a move for El Khannouss still seemed realistic.
Daniel Farke has made it clear he wants an attacking signing before the deadline and possibly, even two new additions. It is believed Farke wants a versatile player in attack and El Khannouss certainly offers that.
However, El Khannouss looks to finally be on the move before the deadline and it isn’t to Leeds. Earlier on Sunday, LeedsUnited.News wrote of reports that Stuttgart had tabled a £26m bid to sign El Khannouss.
Bilal El Khannouss has agreement in principle to join Stuttgart
A move is happening quickly, with the Leeds target now set to fly to Germany to thrash out a move to the German giants. Indeed, and according to a report from Santi Aouna, an agreement in principle is in place.
Foot Mercato journalist Aouna reports on X: “Agreement in principle reached between Stuttgart and Leicester for Bilal El Khannouss. Bilal El Khannouss will fly in the next hours to Germany.”
Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri added more on the breaking news regarding El Khannouss, stating that Leicester and Stuttgart are fixing the final details for the playmaker now. Leeds have missed out, again.
He said: “El Khannouss set to become a Stuttgart player! The Moroccan’s set to fly in the coming hours to Germany to undergo his medical tests. Leicester & VfB are fixing the last details now. Four year deal.”
Bilal El Khannouss failure the third Leeds have missed out on
After missing out on Igor Paixao to Marseille, Leeds looked as though they were going to sign Facundo Buonanotte. Leeds felt they had a loan deal agreed with Brighton for a player likened to Lionel Messi.
However, El Khannouss’ teammate for 2024-25 chose to join Chelsea at the last minute. Chelsea opted to move for Buonanotte because Xavi Simons joined Tottenham from Leipzig, Buonanotte his replacement.
Now, it appears El Khannouss becomes the third attacking midfielder that Leeds have failed to lure to the club before the deadline. If Leeds are to sign a new attacker, it is going to have to be a bit of an unknown.
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