Bilal El Khannouss to Leeds update as Daniel Farke eyes 'ambitious' plan
· Mick Brown; Callum O'Connell · 2026-08-16T10:22:53+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Bilal El Khannouss to Leeds update as Daniel Farke eyes 'ambitious' plan
Leeds United could reignite their interest in signing Bilal El Khannouss from VfB Stuttgart after he opened the door to a summer move.
The 22-year-old made the permanent switch to Stuttgart from Leicester City earlier this summer, having spent last season on loan, but could already be made available.
After an impressive first season in the Bundesliga, reports have suggested the Morocco international is keen to explore his options amid growing interest from elsewhere.
However, former Man United cheif scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds are unlikely to make a fresh move for El Khannouss after deciding against it last year.
This comes as Stuttgart are likely to place a significant price tag on the attacking midfielder, much higher than the fee Leeds were reluctant to pay last summer.
Daniel Farke's ambitious plans for his Leeds squad have led to links with a number of big-name players, and while more deals are expected at Elland Road, this one is doubtful.
Could Leeds reignite their move for Bilal El Khannouss?
Football Insider revealed last summer that Leeds had held positive talks over a move for El Khannouss, but Leicester were only willing to sell for "top money".
Eventually, he completed his move to Stuttgart on an initial loan fee before they trigger an option to buy which was believed to be valued at around £20million.
That price tag has now more than doubled, with Stuttgart reluctant to cash in having only just secured his signature, and he may now be seen as the one that got away for Leeds.
"Daniel Farke wants to be ambitious, so Leeds are going to be looking at top players," Brown told Football Insider.
"I'm not quite convinced El Khannouss is one of those yet, he was good for Leicester and now he's been playing in Germany, but would he be a game changer for Leeds? I don't think so.
"The thing is as well, they opted against signing him last year, and his price tag has only gone up, so I think it's unlikely they'll return for that deal.
"I'm sure he's still on their radar, they'll be keeping a close eye on him and if he's going to be available, I'm sure they will be aware and maybe they could have a look.
"But it would surprise me, really, if they did make a move for him now, I think they'll be looking at other targets at this point in the window."
Which other players are on Leeds' radar at this stage?
With just one week to go until the start of the Premier League season, Farke is still determiend to add to his squad and build on what was a strong finish last time out.
There a number of key positions in his side which still need strenghening, and work is ongoing behind the scenes as they eye a positive end to the summer window.
Football Insider revealed on 12 August that Leeds are plotting a move to sign Real Betis midfielder Nelson Deossa, with the position among the areas they hope to improve.
The Whites recently sent scouts to watch the 26-year-old in action for Betis in their friendly victory over Arsenal, with their target notching a goal and an assist in that game.
Betis are understood to be reluctantly willing to sell the Colombian this summer, as they bid to boost their own transfer budget, and Leeds could be set to take advantage.