The proposed deal that would see Crystal Palace sign Bilal El Khannouss from Championship side Leicester has reportedly hit a snag.
Negotiations commenced between the clubs due to the Foxes’ need to sell players in order to satisfy profit and sustainability rules.
However, the £10m sale of James Justin to Leeds United and Kasey McAteer’s reported £12m move to Ipswich Town have eased financial constraints at the King Power Stadium.
As reported by Sky Sports, Rob Dorsett, Oliver Glasner’s side would now need to pay a fee in the region of £35m to land El Khannouss. The Eagles’ desire to buy the Moroccan has diminished as a result of the new valuation.
Crystal Palace To Miss Out On El Khannouss
Crystal Palace is in search of further offensive reinforcements, especially since the high-profile departure of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal.
They have scored just one goal in their opening two Premier League matches, and are 90 minutes away from competing in the UEFA Conference League phase this season.
Despite their need for reinforcements, Crystal Palace will maintain a firm stance regarding overspending for prospective transfer targets.
The knock-on effect from Leicester’s other transfer dealings has dented Palace’s hopes of signing him in a bargain deal. With a lot more games ahead this season compared to previous campaigns, squad depth is key to Oliver Glasner’s aspirations in 2025/26.
Could Leicester City Keep El Khannouss
With Palace cooling their interest in the 21-year-old, the possibility that he could remain at Leicester beyond the transfer deadline emerges.
He was a rare bright spark in the Premier League last season under Ruud Van Nistelrooy, where his performances caught the eye. He scored two goals and provided three assists for a Leicester side that desperately struggled to compete in last season’s top-flight.
His ability to navigate tight spaces and carve out opportunities has seen him garner many admirers during his time in England.
As speculation about his future rages, Marti Cifuentes is determined to play him while he still can. The Morocco international has featured three times already this season, providing two assists in their opening day win against Sheffield Wednesday.
However, he was left out of their match-day squad for Saturday’s victory at Charlton Athletic.
There is no doubt that many supporters of the East-Midlands club would love to see him remain. El Khannouss may prefer a second chance at playing in the Premier League, but he also possesses the attitude required to fuel a Leicester promotion push too.
Are Other Clubs Likely To Swoop For Leicester Forward
With less than a week to go until the transfer window closes, clubs will be seeking to finalise their squads for the challenges ahead.
Having missed out on Eze following a last-minute hijack by their bitter rivals Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur are keen to strengthen in the forward areas. According to GiveMeSport, Thomas Franks’ side is weighing up a bid to sign El Khannouss.
Before Crystal Palace had stolen a march in the chase for El Khannouss, there were tentative links between the player and Newcastle United.
The Magpies’ priority is almost certainly to bolster their striking options, after a season of extreme transfer frustration on Tyneside. But with injuries plaguing them in their defeat to Liverpool, there is the potential for them to reignite their interest in El Khannouss.
With reports suggesting Palace’s tracking of the former Genk man is losing momentum, his availability could tempt other ambitious clubs to step up their advances.