JUST IN: Newcastle set to ramp up move for one of the “best prospects in the world”, he’s Ben Arfa 2.0
There’s rarely a quiet day in the recruitment offices at Newcastle United.
The club’s transfer dealings have once again dominated headlines, and this week brought yet another twist in one of the summer’s most persistent sagas.
On Tuesday morning, reports surfaced claiming that Alexander Isak has made it clear he has no intention of playing for Newcastle again, even if the transfer window closes without him securing a move elsewhere. It’s a dramatic stance from the Swedish striker and one that threatens to drag on well beyond the 1 September deadline.
While the Isak situation remains unresolved, manager Eddie Howe cannot afford to put the rest of the club’s transfer business on hold. With a Champions League campaign looming, the Magpies need reinforcements, and the recruitment team is actively exploring deals that could strengthen the squad in key areas.
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Newcastle’s Busy Transfer Activity So Far
Despite the off-field distractions, Newcastle have managed to make two notable signings already this summer. Anthony Elanga has arrived to add pace and directness in attack, while Aaron Ramsdale joins as a highly regarded option between the posts.
However, those won’t be the last new faces on Tyneside. The club has made an enquiry for Porto’s Samu Aghehowa and is reportedly preparing a bid for Brentford’s unsettled striker Yoane Wissa, who could be tempted by the prospect of Champions League football.
There’s also growing talk of Newcastle making a move for Bilal El Khannouss, a player who has been compared to the mercurial Hatem Ben Arfa for his technical flair and dribbling artistry.
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The Bilal El Khannouss Link
According to John Percy of the Telegraph, Newcastle are ready to accelerate their pursuit of the 21-year-old Moroccan international. Leicester City’s relegation to the Championship has triggered a release clause in his contract, believed to be in the region of £30 million.
El Khannouss played the full 90 minutes in Leicester’s opening-day win over Sheffield Wednesday, but interest from Newcastle, Leeds, and Tottenham suggests his time in the second tier could be short-lived.
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Why El Khannouss Could Excite Newcastle Fans
Leicester’s relegation campaign was nothing short of disastrous — just six league wins, nine consecutive home games without a goal between December and Easter, and a collection of unwanted records. Yet, amid the gloom, El Khannouss stood out as a bright spark.
He scored three goals in his debut season in England, including a memorable winner against Tottenham in January. His performances have led football analyst Ben Mattinson to call him “one of the best prospects in the world,” while respected scout Antonio Mango has praised him as a “genius.”
Statistically, his creativity is undeniable. Last season, he ranked first in expected assists, big chances created, key passes, and progressive passes for Leicester. He also averaged 1.1 successful dribbles per game in the Premier League — a trait that instantly calls to mind the days when Hatem Ben Arfa dazzled the St James’ Park crowd with his close control and attacking flair.
Ben Arfa’s iconic solo goal against Bolton in April 2012 remains a cherished memory for Newcastle supporters. Like the Frenchman, El Khannouss possesses the ability to take the game by the scruff of the neck and make something happen out of nothing.
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The Potential Impact at Newcastle
If surrounded by a stronger supporting cast than he had at Leicester, El Khannouss could blossom into one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking midfielders. His vision, agility, and confidence on the ball make him the sort of player who could unlock defences both domestically and in Europe.
For Newcastle, the Moroccan could represent not just a smart signing, but a statement of intent — the type of young, technically gifted player who can help them compete with England’s elite and provide an extra layer of unpredictability in attack.
As the transfer deadline approaches, the Magpies’ recruitment team faces a race against time to navigate the Isak situation while also bringing in the right additions. If El Khannouss is one of them, Newcastle fans could be in for some Ben Arfa-style magic once again at St James’ Park.