Leicester City: "Missed opportunity" claim made as star's £22m release clause emerges | OneFootball

FLW's Leicester City fan pundit would be disappointed to see forward Bilal El Khannouss go

Leicester City forward Bilal El Khannouss is available for £22 million in the upcoming transfer window, as the Foxes adapt to life back in the Championship.

That’s according to Sacha Tavolieri, who has reported that El Khannouss has a relegation release clause after arriving just last summer in a big-money move from Genk.

It was a season to forget at the King Power Stadium, as the 2016 Premier League champions failed miserably in their attempt to retain their top-flight status following promotion from the Championship.

It was reported by The Athletic in April that the EFL are "likely" going to try and have Leicester sanctioned over an alleged breach of PSR (profit & sustainability regulations), an issue which is still going through an arbitration process after the Foxes were initially cleared, but it may mean that they need to balance their books accordingly with some sales.

CaughtOffside have claimed that a number of Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, Aston Villa, Fulham and Wolves are all looking into a move for El Khannouss, who has been one of very few players to impress for the Foxes this term, so it seems unlikely that he will still be with the Foxes come August.

FLW's resident Leicester City fan pundit, Louchlainn Martin, believes understandable disappointment would be the mantra if El Khannouss does pursue pastures new.

Leicester City, Bilal El Khannous transfer verdict made

According to Louchlainn, El Khannouss' relegation release clause is "too low" and the Foxes have missed an opportunity if they are forced to sell after just one season, given the playmaker's clear potential - of which they have only just tapped into.

“£22 million is too low in my opinion,” Louchlainn told FLW.

“Especially considering his talent, his potential, and the club thinks he's got a really high ceiling as well.

“He's young, he's creative and you'd expect Leicester to push for a bigger fee or at least make sure they're not selling themselves short.

“But it does feel like if there is a relegation release clause, maybe that was the only way we were able to convince him to join the club in the first place. It's definitely disappointing that he might not be around for the Championship.

“He's the type of player who can make a huge difference, a bit like how Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall did last time Leicester City were in the Championship.

“But at the same time, if the club needs to balance the books, it's understandable but it does feel like a missed opportunity financially and of course on the pitch as well.

“El Khannouss is one of the bright sparks, one of the only bright sparks in our team this season. I have a feeling that if he did stick around for the Championship, he could quite easily get 15, 20 combined goals and assists, which would be pivotal in us returning back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Leicester City face an uphill battle to keep Bilal El Khannouss

As always with relegation from any division, changes among the squad are expected due to a multitude of factors. Some players won’t want to operate at a lower level, whilst the club need to somehow leverage their financial burden.

In Leicester’s case, their already precarious financial status means that they may be forced more than most to sell their valuable stars.

El Khannouss has been one of the standout stars in a miserably unsuccessful Foxes side, scoring three goals and providing five assists in all competitions this season.

At just 20-years-old, the forward’s potential is huge and he could develop into a serious top-flight attacker in years to come.

Therefore, it seems almost out of the realm of possibility for Leicester to keep hold of the talent.

In the end, it could be a deal that suits both parties, as a healthy sale would help Leicester deal with relegation. However, the reported fee of £22 million might not satisfy supporters, who may hope to recoup more on an obviously talented youngster.