Leicester City player subject of transfer interest after Liverpool, Florian Wirtz move | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen are interested in a deal for Leicester City forward Bilal El Khannouss

Bayer Leverkusen are eyeing up a move for Leicester City forward Bilal El Khannouss.

The 21-year-old joined the Foxes last summer from Belgian side Genk for a reported £21 million fee.

El Khannouss scored twice and provided three assists in 32 Premier League appearances for Leicester during the 2024/25 campaign.

Bayer Leverkusen plotting Bilal El Khannouss transfer

After just one season at the King Power Stadium, the young playmaker could be set to leave the Foxes this summer.

According to Sacha Tavolieri via X, the German outfit are keen to sign El Khannouss and have already enquired about his personal terms.

Leverkusen are believed to have held an interest in the playmaker whilst he was still at Genk and are now targeting this summer as an opportunity to finally secure his services.

Having recently sold Florian Wirtz to Premier League champions Liverpool for £116 million, the Bundesliga side have money to burn in their transfer pursuits this window.

Erik ten Hag and Co. will continue to monitor the situation closely as they aim to bring El Khannouss to the BayArena.

Leverkusen may have to fight off the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have reportedly considered the 21-year-old as a potential Matheus Cunha replacement.

Reports have stated that the exciting young talent has a release clause of £22 million, so the 2023/24 Bundesliga champions can be expected to fork out a fee in that region.

Bilal El Khannouss would be a big loss for Leicester City

Last season ended with such negativity for Leicester City as they became the first Premier League team to lose nine home games in a row without scoring a single goal.

Manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy is set to be handed his marching orders next month and with such uncertainty swirling around the King Power, it is imperative that the club keep as many players as possible.

El Khannouss showed good promise last term and would more than likely rip the Championship up in a competitive Leicester City outfit next season.

However, a large bid from Leverkusen could force the Foxes’ hand.

Leicester are still waiting on the outcome of their alleged PSR breach, which could result in a minimum 12-point penalty if found guilty.

If the club have an opportunity to receive a large sum for the 21-year-old’s services, it would help them somewhat resolve their financial woes and avoid any further punishment in the future.

That said, the most important task at the King Power will be achieving promotion straight back to the Premier League and if they do receive a hefty points penalty, they will need all the firepower possible to fight their way up the Championship next term.