How Leicester City feel about potential Bilal El Khannouss exit, it may ‘depend’ on one thing

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Leicester City are facing a significant challenge this summer when it comes to their highly-rated 21-year-old midfielder, Bilal El Khannouss.

He remains under contract with the Foxes until June 2028, with reports indicating his deal does not contain a relegation release clause. 

Despite Leicester’s relegation, El Khannouss enjoyed a decent individual season, contributing three goals and three assists in 28 league matches. 

It’s understood that the Moroccan international is keen to stay in a top-flight league and continue competing at the highest level, making a departure from Leicester highly likely after their relegation.

In light of this, fans have already expressed which team they believe will bounce back to the Premier League.

The Foxes are reportedly holding firm on their asking price. Some reports suggest they’ve set the budget at around £40 million, leveraging his long contract and the absence of a relegation clause. 

• READ MORE: Winners and losers from Sam Greenwood joining Leicester City as Foxes eye Jamie Vardy replacement

They will undoubtedly aim to make a significant profit on a player they only acquired last summer. But could the Foxes genuinely keep one of their most valuable players?

We asked EFL Analysis’ transfer expert, Graeme Bailey, for his perspective on whether El Khannouss would still be at the King Power Stadium when the summer window slams shut.

Bilal El Khannouss’ future at Leicester depends on ‘one thing’ 

“Bilal El Khannouss is in a very similar situation to Mateus Fernandes at Southampton,” Bailey explained.

“These two boys are hugely talented and have got an awful lot of interest, but considering they’re at relegated Premier League clubs, these are two clubs that can afford to keep them.

“I don’t think it’s a given that Southampton and Leicester will sell. They’re not fearful of going into administration or anything where you could just cherry-pick these players off them.

“For El Khannouss, I think it’ll totally depend on the that interest comes in for him, and it’ll depend on the new manager for him as well. 

“Similarly, I could see Fernandes staying at Southampton, especially with Tyler Dibling’s likely departure, which makes it less likely that they sell again.

“These two are very interesting. There are arguably no more talented players than the two of them in the Championship now.

“There’s a lot of interest, but I don’t see Leicester being in a hurry to get rid and it is not a given that Khannouss leaves.”

• READ MORE: The most expensive transfers in Leicester City history, including £30m teenager and where they are now

What is going on with Leicester’s manager? 

Given that Bailey believes El Khannouss’ situation hinges on who is at the helm when the first Championship game of the season kicks off, it begs the crucial question: who will that be?

EFL Analysis revealed earlier this month that Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl was a leading candidate for the Leicester City job.

Despite this, the Foxes have yet to officially part ways with current manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, making the entire situation somewhat bizarre for fans.

Van Nistelrooy’s short tenure at the King Power Stadium was somewhat disappointing. Appointed on November 29, 2024, the Dutchman oversaw a significant decline, with his 27 league matches yielding just 5 wins, 4 draws, and 18 defeats. 

This poor form, seeing only 21 goals scored versus 54 conceded, directly led to Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League, a stark contrast to his successful spell at PSV Eindhoven.

Rohl is widely expected to leave Sheffield Wednesday this summer and has previously been linked with the Foxes’ Championship rivals Southampton, who eventually appointed Will Still.

Now, in his latest interview with German media, Rohl has hinted he does like working in England.

When quizzed about his time in England, Rohl said: “It’s very good, very special. The English culture has tied me up, first in Southampton and now at Sheffield Wednesday.

“It’s a demanding league in England but I feel very comfortable. Let’s see what the future brings.”