NafisaLeicester City might be preparing for life in the Championship next season, and one player could help Ruud van Nistelrooy save millions in the transfer market.
To avoid relegation this season, Leicester would need to pull off a remarkable escape similar to their 2014/15 survival. However, achieving that would also mean rewriting history.
No Premier League team has ever managed to stay up after earning just 17 points from their first 27 games, making Van Nistelrooy’s challenge nearly insurmountable.
Since taking charge, the Dutchman’s tenure has been nothing short of disastrous, picking up just seven points from a possible 42 and suffering defeat in 11 of his last 12 league matches.
Amidst a difficult season with little to celebrate, summer signing Bilal El Khannouss has been a rare bright spot.
Bilal El Khannouss could draw transfer interest this summer
Signed from Genk for £21 million, El Khannouss was one of nine new arrivals at the King Power Stadium during that transfer window.
While many of Steve Cooper’s signings have struggled to make an impact, the Moroccan midfielder has been a standout performer, impressing fans with his composure on the ball and relentless work ethic off it.
Jermaine Beckford has described El Khannouss as ‘something special,’ and with his talent, the 20-year-old appears destined for the top level.
His former coach at Genk, Michel Ribeiro, recently suggested he could play for a club like Arsenal, and the numbers support that claim.
According to FBref, the attacking midfielder ranks in the top 11% for progressive passes and the top 17% for total passes attempted compared to players across Europe.
Leicester fans have enjoyed watching him develop, but if relegation happens, he’s likely to be on the move this summer.
Will Alves could save Leicester millions
If Leicester decide to cash in on El Khannouss, they could make a healthy profit on their initial £21m investment. That raises the question—who could replace him?
Fortunately for Van Nistelrooy, the answer might already be at the club. Academy product Will Alves looks ready to break into the first team.
Currently impressing on loan at Cardiff, Alves shares similar traits with El Khannouss, capable of playing both as an attacking midfielder and a winger.
Described as having ‘bags of potential,’ the Leicester youngster caught the attention of former manager Brendan Rodgers, who handed him his FA Cup debut at just 16 years old in 2022.
“He’s got that youthful spirit, that joy. He was bright. He’s waited all his life for that moment. He loves being at Leicester,” Rodgers told Leicestershire Live.
“The supporters will be excited. But it’s a different level, and if you have too many touches, you lose the ball. I’ve loved having him over with the first team, he’s got big talent.”
At 19 years old, Alves has a promising career ahead, and if El Khannouss departs, he could be the ideal successor in Leicester’s midfield.
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