Leicester City Bets Big on Bilal El Khannouss: A Future Star in the Making?

Leicester City’s recent investment in Bilal El Khannouss, a 20-year-old Moroccan midfielder, has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. Following the sale of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea, Leicester allocated a significant portion of their summer transfer budget—approximately a quarter—to secure El Khannouss from Genk. The move highlights the club's ambition to build for the future, betting on a player with considerable potential who may take time to adjust to the rigors of the Premier League. Having already amassed nearly 100 senior appearances in Belgium and represented Morocco at both the World Cup and the Olympics, El Khannouss is seen as a long-term prospect. His career trajectory is noteworthy: he began his footballing journey at the prestigious Anderlecht academy before making the switch to Genk, a club renowned for developing talent, having nurtured the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Christian Benteke. El Khannouss’s path to professional football is a compelling story. He grew up in the Brussels suburb of Strombeek, honing his skills in street football before catching the eye of Anderlecht scouts at just five years old. At 14, he decided to move to Genk, believing it would better accelerate his development. His determination to join Leicester was evidenced by his refusal to train, which successfully pushed through the transfer after Genk rebuffed earlier bids. For Leicester, the question remains: what exactly are they getting for their investment? El Khannouss is recognized as a progressive passer, with advanced metrics indicating that he excels in moving the ball upfield effectively. His rating for progressive passing stands at an impressive 91 out of 99, but there are areas for improvement, particularly in his goal-scoring capabilities. With only four career goals to his name, three of which came last season, there is a clear need for him to enhance his contributions in the attacking third. Belgian journalist Bob Faesen, who covers Genk, describes El Khannouss as a talented but modest player. His strength lies in technical ability and pressing, yet he occasionally drops deep, limiting his scoring opportunities. Faesen notes that while he may not have a prolific scoring record now, El Khannouss possesses the potential to evolve into a more offensive role, perhaps as a No. 8 rather than solely a No. 10. Despite questions surrounding his goal-scoring, El Khannouss boasts a strong work ethic, tracking his performance metrics meticulously and investing in recovery techniques like cryotherapy. He draws inspiration from players such as De Bruyne, whose patience and strategic positioning have influenced his playing style. El Khannouss is versatile, comfortable operating across various attacking roles, and is keen to integrate into Leicester’s squad while contributing to their efforts in regaining a solid footing in the Premier League. Leicester manager Steve Cooper has a wealth of options in the No. 10 role, including young talents like Facundo Buonanotte and Michael Golding. However, El Khannouss is seen as further along in his development, and Cooper will be hoping that his adjustment to the Premier League is swift. The stakes are high as the club aims to re-establish itself in the top tier, and El Khannouss’s performance will be pivotal in their ambitions. Ultimately, while there are reservations about whether he is fully prepared for the Premier League’s demands, his technical skills, character, and ambition suggest that he could make a meaningful impact at Leicester. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this promising young midfielder can live up to the expectations that accompany such a significant investment.