‘Poor Decision’: Belgian Legend Criticizes £21m Leicester City Star’s Move to the Foxes
A Belgian football legend has suggested that one of Leicester City’s standout players may have made a mistake in joining the club.
Leicester City fans have had little to cheer about this season, as their team remains deeply entangled in a relegation battle.
The Foxes have lost their last seven Premier League matches, and another defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday would see them equal an unwanted 24-year record.
Sunday, 26th January
Premier League
Tottenham
15:00
Leicester
Supporters at the King Power Stadium have grown increasingly frustrated, directing their anger at the players and the club hierarchy, particularly director of football John Rudkin.
While a few players have shown promise in an otherwise bleak campaign, one football pundit has suggested that a key Leicester player made a poor career choice by joining the club.
Gert Verheyen Criticizes Bilal El Khannouss’ Move to Leicester City
Recruitment has been a major issue for Leicester this season, but the signing of Bilal El Khannouss has been a rare success.
The Moroccan international has been one of the team’s standout performers, often providing the creativity and spark that keeps fans hopeful of survival.
However, Belgian football legend Gert Verheyen believes El Khannouss made a mistake by signing for Leicester.
The 20-year-old midfielder joined the Foxes from Genk in the summer for £21 million. Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws (via Voetbal Belgie), Verheyen said:
“I don’t understand why El Khannouss went to Leicester. Leicester… I think that’s a very bad choice.
I would have chosen the Bundesliga in his place, to a top-five club with more quality players around him.”
Verheyen’s comments come after Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy faced heavy criticism for substituting El Khannouss during Saturday’s match, a decision that drew boos and chants of “You don’t know what you’re doing.”
Can Bilal El Khannouss Save Leicester’s Season?
Though it feels unfair to rely heavily on a 20-year-old in his first Premier League season, Leicester may have little choice.
With Jamie Vardy struggling for form and Facundo Buonanotte offering limited help, El Khannouss looks like one of the few players capable of turning things around.
Operating as an attacking midfielder in the number 10 role, El Khannouss isn’t afraid to put in defensive work, recover the ball, and drive forward in search of that decisive pass.
His ability to carry the ball and create chances has drawn admiration, even if his stats—two goals and four assists—could be better.
Criticism of his output may be unfair, as much of his creativity depends on teammates finishing the chances he creates.
Despite the odds, El Khannouss has shown resilience and a willingness to fight for Leicester’s survival.
As the Foxes approach a pivotal stretch of the season, the young Moroccan has a vital role to play.
If his performances continue to stand out, it’s likely that other clubs will soon take notice of his talent. For now, Leicester will need him to step up and help guide them to safety.
