Leeds United target Bilal El Khannouss explains Premier League move collapsed over release clause | OneFootball

Leeds United summer target Bilal El Khannouss has explained why his proposed Premier League return collapsed late in the window, before he joined Stuttgart from Leicester City.

“The Premier League has always been a priority for the last transfer window. I was in contact with a lot of clubs, advanced negotiations with a lot of clubs too.” He told Foot Mercato.

“In the end, it didn’t work out. Stuttgart have always been there. I think it was the right time. They trusted me, I trusted them, and I think it’s a very good match.”

“I was on a lot of lists, but really concrete, it was more clubs like Crystal Palace, Newcastle, a little bit, clubs like that, and in the end it didn’t work out.”

“What I didn’t understand is that I had a release clause, I had a release clause, and there was no club that wanted to pay. We managed to find a deal with Stuttgart. I’m very happy to be here, even though things haven’t been easy.”

Leeds tracked the Moroccan as the deadline neared and he was viewed as their top target, with Daniel Farke keen to add attacking firepower.

El Khannouss has since impressed in the Bundesliga, starting 10 league games with one substitute appearance and averaging 7.38. He has two league goals and three assists, plus three in the Europa League, for five in 19 across all competitions. Stuttgart paid 25 million euros for the deal.

Source: Leedsunited.news