Everton are about to complete a smart piece of transfer business as they explore a move for Leicester City star
Everton could be on the brink of completing a smart piece of transfer business as they explore a potential cut-price move for Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss—an emerging talent who has even caught the attention of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
As the Toffees ramp up preparations for their pre-season tour of the United States, manager David Moyes has made it clear that reinforcements are needed—especially in attack. While Everton’s summer recruitment began on solid footing with the addition of promising winger Thierno Barry, most of the club’s transfer activity so far has been expected, including the permanent signing of Carlos Alcaraz and the arrival of a new backup goalkeeper.
But fans are eager for more high-impact signings—especially in the final third, where Everton have struggled for consistency and firepower in recent seasons. In their efforts to bolster creativity and scoring options, the club has turned its attention to 20-year-old Moroccan international Bilal El Khannouss, who is currently with Leicester City.
Release Clause Could Trigger Swift Move
According to TalkSPORT, El Khannouss—initially thought to be valued at around £40 million—may now be available for nearly half that price due to a recently discovered clause in his contract. Following Leicester’s relegation, it’s believed the midfielder has a £22.5 million release clause, a figure well within Everton’s reach.
Leicester only signed El Khannouss last summer for £20 million, and while they hoped to build their team around him, the threat of losing him for such a marginal profit now looms large. The clause represents an excellent opportunity for Everton to swoop in and secure a gifted creative player without blowing their budget.
European Interest Growing
El Khannouss is not short of admirers. Everton will face competition for his signature, with Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, AS Monaco, and Bayer Leverkusen all reportedly monitoring the situation. Still, Everton are believed to be one of the frontrunners, especially as they look to rejuvenate their midfield with a blend of youth and flair.
The club is also weighing up a potential return for Jack Harrison, but supporters remain hopeful that real investment will be made in players who can make a difference in the final third. Last season, Everton were heavily reliant on Iliman Ndiaye and Beto for goals, a concerning trend that Moyes is determined to change.
Guardiola’s Seal of Approval
What sets El Khannouss apart is the high regard in which he’s held by some of football’s top minds. Following a clash between Leicester and Manchester City last season, Pep Guardiola personally approached the youngster to offer praise for his performance—an extraordinary gesture given Guardiola’s typically reserved demeanor.
“He said he was impressed by my play today,” El Khannouss revealed. “I am not. I know myself and this is the player I can be. I have to show that every week now.”
The fact that Guardiola singled out the midfielder—despite his modest goal return of two goals and three assists in a struggling Leicester team—underscores the Moroccan’s potential. He is a player still developing, but with the right environment and coaching, he could become a real asset at Goodison Park.
Everton’s Chance to Strike Smartly
El Khannouss’ release clause gives Everton a rare opportunity to bring in a technically gifted midfielder for a fraction of his market value. With several clubs circling, the Toffees may need to act swiftly, but if successful, it could turn out to be one of the shrewdest signings of the summer window.