Leicester City are navigating another tough phase in their recent history as they aim to return to the Premier League. Financial constraints continue to loom over LCFC, restricting their activity in a vital summer transfer window.
As is typical for relegated clubs, much of the Leicester City transfer focus has been on potential departures. Mads Hermansen has already moved to West Ham, and more exits are expected to follow.
Bilal El Khannouss has been widely tipped to leave, with recent reports indicating he has expressed his wish to join interested party Crystal Palace.
Now, according to Sky Sports, a deal between the Eagles and the Foxes is nearing completion.
It is reported that a fee of £32m is close to being finalized with a general agreement in place, though Palace are still evaluating their options as they prepare to replace Eberechi Eze and have not fully committed to the transfer yet.
Alongside LCFC star Bilal El Khannouss, Southampton’s Tyler Dibling is also under consideration. However, he would be a far costlier option, valued at over £45m.
Bilal El Khannouss nears a widely anticipated departure:
As one of the few bright spots in a deeply disappointing 2024/25 season for Leicester City, El Khannouss has been expected to depart the club this summer.
With Crystal Palace focusing on the 21-year-old as their Eze replacement, a transfer now appears likely. It benefits all parties and should hopefully conclude a rather prolonged transfer saga.
El Khannouss has remained professional, featuring in all three matches across all competitions this season. He also provided both assists in the 2-1 comeback victory over Sheffield Wednesday on the opening day.
Few will resent El Khannouss’ desire to move on given his Premier League achievements, and a transfer to Palace could offer European football—a major draw for a talent of his caliber.
Will Leicester City reinvest the funds?
Leicester City have secured just one signing this summer, the free transfer acquisition of Asmir Begovic.
Fans might have hoped some of the Hermansen funds would have been reinvested into the squad by now, but no further deals have materialized, and there are no reports of firm offers for potential targets, making for grim news for LCFC supporters.
A £32m windfall from an El Khannouss sale would provide significant funds, and there would be an expectation that this is channeled back into the team. Marti Cifuentes needs support with new additions to get this squad performing.
However, given the challenges with the club’s leadership in recent seasons, fans won’t be overly optimistic.