Leeds United are being linked with a move for Bilal El Khannouss in the summer transfer window.
It’s been a strong summer transfer window for Leeds United, with seven new faces arriving that improve Daniel Farke’s starting XI and strengthen his squad depth.
Leeds have also worked to increase the height and physical prowess of the squad in smart preparation so they can compete in the Premier League.
The signings have been very industrious so far, though, and there remains room to add a bit more flair and spark to the side.
Leeds do want to bring in at least two exciting forwards and have entered the race to sign Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss.
Here’s what you need to know about him.
- Every player linked with Leeds in the transfer window: Latest fees and news on Daniel Farke’s targets
Bilal El Khannouss to Leeds United transfer news
After mostly sorting out their midfield and defence and getting a new first-choice goalkeeper in Lucas Perri, Leeds are now aiming to get some attacking reinforcements through the door.
Leeds were hopeful of signing Igor Paixao, but the Eredivisie top scorer has instead joined Marseille.
So it’s back to the drawing board for the Whites, who haven’t given up on signing Manor Solomon yet.
But that would still leave the playmaker role lacking, with the heavily linked Christiantus Uche yet to sign.
As a result, Leeds have reignited their interest in El Khannouss after being linked with him earlier in the window.
Leeds have reportedly held talks with El Khannouss representatives, with Leicester wanting more than £25m.
Leeds face stiff competition with the likes of Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Sunderland all said to be keen.
What position does Bilal El Khannouss play?
El Khannouss is a versatile forward capable of playing different positions in the attacking lineup.
He is predominantly a No.10, though, and played the majority of his games for Leicester last season behind the striker.
That’s handy as it’s exactly where Leeds need to upgrade upon, as Brenden Aaronson is their only option in the position.
El Khannouss can also play out on the left wing.
Bilal El Khannouss age
Born in Strombeek-Bever, Belgium, on May 10, 2001, El Khannouss is 21 years old as of August 2025.
That puts him younger than the 26-28 age range Leeds have been recruiting in this summer but would be a worthy exception. El Khannouss is already very talented and has time to get even better.
How tall is Bilal El Khannouss?
El Khannouss stands at 5’11” tall.
Though that’s smaller than most of the giants Leeds have signed in the window, it’s still fairly tall for a quick, skilful player of his profile.
Bilal El Khannouss stats
El Khannouss’ stats for club and country in his young career so far. Though born in Belgium, El Khannouss plays internationally for Morocco.
| Team | Games | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| Genk | 94 | 4 | 14 | 14 | 1 |
| Leicetser City | 36 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Morocco | 22 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Bilal El Khannouss social media
El Khannouss has an Instagram account with a huge following of more than two million, which you can find @bilalekns_34.
He does not appear to have an X, formerly Twitter, account that is public-facing.
Praise for Bilal El Khannouss, including from Pep Guardiola
El Khannouss earned plenty of plaudits during the 2024-25 season.
The playmaker even revealed that Pep Guardiola was impressed by him despite Manchester City defeating the Foxes 4-0.
He said: El Khannouss said: “He (Guardiola) said he was impressed by my play today. I am not. I know myself and this is the player I can be. I have to show that every week now.”
Former Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy rates El Khannouss highly as well.
The Dutchman said in a press conference in February 2025: “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.”
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