Leeds United Set to Beat Newcastle United in Race to Sign £24.5m Midfielder

Leeds United are advancing in their pursuit of Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, with the newly promoted Premier League club prepared to meet his £24.5 million release clause. Sources report Leeds have offered the 21-year-old Moroccan international a weekly salary of £50,000 and have held talks with his representatives.

Despite Leicester's relegation last season, El Khannouss was a standout performer, attracting interest from several clubs. While Newcastle United have made initial contact and Arsenal have monitored him, neither has made a formal approach yet. Bundesliga clubs RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen are also considering moves.

Leeds view El Khannouss as a crucial long-term investment to enhance their midfield's technical quality and depth, aligning with their summer strategy of signing players who can contribute immediately and develop into core squad members. His profile – comfortable in possession, adept at progressing play, versatile across midfield roles, and capable of linking midfield and attack – makes him an attractive fit for manager Daniel Farke and Leeds' Premier League needs.

This urgency reflects Leeds' broader recruitment drive to strengthen across the pitch, aiming not just to compete but to avoid the common pitfall of immediate relegation faced by other promoted sides. Signing players with proven quality and high potential is central to this strategy. Securing El Khannouss ahead of rivals would signal Leeds' ambition and address the slim margin for error in the Premier League, providing both on-pitch quality and a confidence boost.

Completing the deal swiftly would allow El Khannouss to contribute from the start of the campaign. Leeds' pursuit, targeting a player with proven Premier League experience and composure under pressure instead of cheaper foreign options, is a statement of intent. At 21, he fits a long-term project while offering immediate technical skill and composure vital for a team likely facing sustained pressure. Meeting the release clause demonstrates board backing for Farke, and Leeds hope their decisive action will be key in securing his signature to help consolidate their Premier League status.