As Leicester City intensify their efforts to strengthen their squad before the transfer deadline, they have turned their attention to one of Belgian football’s brightest prospects, Bilal El Khannouss.
According to HITC, Leicester is currently in talks with KRC Genk about a potential deal for the 20-year-old midfielder, who has drawn comparisons to Luka Modric.
However, securing his talents will not be cheap, as Genk is demanding at least £17 million for the creative playmaker.
Leicester’s Accelerating Transfer Activity
Leicester City’s transfer activity has picked up momentum following a slow start to the summer window.
The recent signings of Oliver Skipp from Tottenham Hotspur for £20 million and Jordan Ayew from Crystal Palace for £8 million underscore the club’s determination to bolster their squad for the upcoming challenges.
The pursuit of Bilal El Khannouss indicates that Leicester is also looking to the future, aiming to bring in a player who could become a central figure in their midfield for years to come.
El Khannouss is not just any young talent. Born in Belgium and representing Morocco internationally, the 20-year-old has already made 14 appearances for his national team and was part of the squad that won the Under-23 African Cup of Nations.
His creativity and vision have made him a standout performer at Genk, where he provided eight assists in 51 appearances last season.
This season, he has already notched up three assists in six games, proving his form is no fluke.
Drawing Comparisons to Luka Modric
Comparisons to Luka Modric are not made lightly, yet El Khannouss’ playing style has invited such praise.
Belgian journalist Filip Joos has expressed his admiration for the young midfielder, saying, “For me, he is the player in the Belgian league who will have the greatest career. (El Khannouss) reminds me most of Modric.
That does not mean that he will reach that level. (The comparisons are) purely in terms of their styles.”
This high praise highlights El Khannouss’ potential, which clearly aligns with Leicester’s interests.
His ability to dictate play, make defense-splitting passes, and maintain composure under pressure are reminiscent of the Croatian maestro.
However, the young midfielder is still in the developmental stage, and Leicester’s challenge will be to nurture his talent while integrating him into the demands of Premier League football.
The Challenges of Securing El Khannouss
While Leicester’s interest in El Khannouss is evident, negotiations with Genk are not straightforward.
The £17 million price tag is considerable, especially for a player who is still gaining experience at the highest level. Moreover, El Khannouss himself is cautious about making a premature move.
He has previously mentioned wanting to avoid the mistakes that Kevin De Bruyne made when he left Belgium for Chelsea too early in his career.
This mindset could benefit Leicester, as the club might provide an ideal environment for El Khannouss to continue his growth.
With regular playing time likely a priority for the young midfielder, Leicester’s current squad dynamics could offer him the perfect platform to develop.
Potential for World-Class Growth
Those who have closely worked with El Khannouss recognize his potential.
Belgium Under-19 coach Wesley Sonck also sees the similarities with Modric but believes El Khannouss could excel in a deeper midfield role.
“I think he can become absolutely world-class there (in a deeper midfield position),” Sonck told Extra Time. “When I see guys like Luka Modric playing, I also see a bit of El Khannouss.”
Endorsements from such respected figures in football only add to the excitement surrounding this young talent.
Should Leicester secure the deal, they might have a gem on their hands—a player capable of becoming a key component in their midfield and a star in the Premier League.
Mastery in Possession and Progression
El Khannouss’ standout qualities are his ball progression and possession skills.
He ranks in the 98th percentile for progressive passes and shot-creating actions, showcasing his consistent influence in advancing play and generating opportunities.
His progressive carries (97th percentile) further emphasize his effectiveness in moving the ball forward, making him a dynamic force in midfield.
His pass completion rate of 97% highlights his reliability with the ball, making him a crucial link in any build-up play.
His ability to deliver progressive passes also reflects his tactical awareness and positioning, positioning him well for higher-level competition.
Defensive Contributions and Areas for Improvement
While El Khannouss excels in possession, his defensive contributions are mixed.
His tackles and interceptions rank him in the 81st percentile, indicating his ability to hold his own defensively.
However, his non-penalty goals (3rd percentile) and expected goals (npxG) (13th percentile) suggest areas where he could improve, particularly in terms of goal-scoring.
Future Potential
At just 20 years old, El Khannouss has already demonstrated the technical skills and tactical intelligence necessary to thrive at the highest levels.
His performance data suggests that with further development, particularly in his offensive output, he could evolve into a complete midfielder.
For teams looking to enhance creativity and ball progression in their midfield, Bilal El Khannouss is certainly a talent to keep an eye on.
