Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss is keen to join Premier League side Crystal Palace, but a bid has yet to be approved by his current club, according to Ben Jacobs.
Leicester City faced a tough summer heading into the 2025/26 season, but they started on a high note with a 2-1 comeback victory against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday afternoon. The result ensured Marti Cifuentes secured three points in his debut match as LCFC manager.
However, the Foxes have struggled to maintain that early momentum. They were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by League One outfit Huddersfield Town and then suffered a 2-1 loss to Preston North End over the weekend.
Notably, Bilal El Khannouss held his spot in the starting lineup at Deepdale despite ongoing uncertainty about his future. The Moroccan midfielder continues to draw significant interest, with Leeds United and Crystal Palace both eager to acquire his services.
Despite featuring in the opening matches of the Championship season, El Khannouss has now made his intentions clear, and the news is unfavorable for Leicester City. According to Ben Jacobs, El Khannouss has expressed his desire to join Premier League club Crystal Palace.
Palace are seeking a new attacking midfielder, with Eberechi Eze likely to depart. The Eagles have already had offers turned down by Leicester City this summer.
It is understood that Leicester City are holding out for around £30m for El Khannouss. This development follows reports that Palace’s other rumored target, former Norwich City player Christos Tzolis, has been deemed ‘non-transferable’ by his current club.
Bilal El Khannouss is a Premier League-caliber player:
Leicester City had little to cheer about last season, and with PSR regulations still casting a shadow over the King Power Stadium, the club enters the new season in search of inspiration and optimism. One shining light, however, was Moroccan star El Khannouss.
Though his performances couldn’t prevent relegation, he stood out as a key figure in an otherwise challenging year for the Foxes. The 21-year-old, who can play as an attacking midfielder or on the left wing, recorded three goals and five assists in 36 appearances.
His creativity and poise established him as a player with immense potential, one who could become a valuable asset for a top-flight club soon. That club appears to be Crystal Palace.
The move could be pushed through due to interest in another Leicester City star:
Leicester City seem poised to lose another key player before the transfer window closes. However, it may not be El Khannouss.
Fellow forward Abdul Fatawu is now generating significant interest. Earlier today, Sunderland had a £27.5m offer rejected for Fatawu.
Leicester City may only part with one of the duo before the window closes. Palace and El Khannouss will be determined to finalize their deal.