When Bilal El Khannouss, the 21‑year‑old Moroccan international, caught the eye of Tottenham Hotspur, the buzz was impossible to ignore. The potential swoop comes just days before the UEFA Super Cup 2025Stadio Friuli, Udine, where Tottenham will meet treble‑winning Paris Saint‑Germain. The transfer chatter, first reported by TBR Football, adds another layer of intrigue to what is already a historic curtain‑raiser for the European season.
Background: El Khannouss’s Rise at Leicester City
Born in Casablanca and moving to England at 16, El Khannouss broke into the first team at Leicester City in the summer of 2023. In the 2024‑25 Premier League campaign, he logged 2,587 minutes, contributed five goals and eight assists, and boasted a 78% pass‑completion rate. Those numbers placed him among the top three midfielders in the league for progressive passes per 90 minutes. Even as the Foxes slid to 18th place and suffered relegation, his performances earned him a place in the Morocco squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
"He has an instinctive ability to find space," said former Leicester captain Wes Morgan in a post‑match interview. "Even when the team is under pressure, Bilal makes the ball look effortless."
Transfer Talk: Numbers, Release Clause, and Competing Interests
According to insider reports, Leicester is prepared to let the midfielder go for around £25 million (≈ €29 million or $33 million). However, an unconfirmed clause in El Khannouss’s contract—triggered by the club’s relegation—sets his release fee at £22.5 million. That figure, if accurate, would make him the cheapest Premier League‑to‑Premier League midfield transfer this summer.
Beyond Tottenham, Leeds United has been linked to the player, and there are whispers that Premier League rivals such as Aston Villa are keeping tabs. The competition could drive the price up, especially if Leicester decides to hold out for a higher fee.
Tottenham’s new manager, Thomas Frank, is reportedly keen on adding a versatile playmaker to complement the recent signing of Mohammed Kudus. "Bilal offers the kind of technical flair we love," Frank told reporters on July 30. "He can operate centrally or drift wide, and that flexibility is vital as we step into European competition."
Tottenham’s Preparations for the Super Cup
Tottenham entered the 2025‑26 season with a clear agenda: challenge for silverware on both domestic and continental fronts. The club’s summer acquisitions include the Ghanaian forward Kudus for £28 million and a slew of defensive reinforcements. The squad is also boasting a refreshed coaching staff, with physical trainer Rogier van der Geest focusing on high‑intensity pressing drills designed to match PSG’s attacking firepower.
Analysts at Opta highlight that Tottenham’s possession average this pre‑season sits at 54%, up from 48% last year—an improvement partly credited to the midfield’s enhanced ball‑retention drills. If El Khannouss arrives before August 13, he could feature off the bench, offering fresh legs against a PSG side that has already conceded just two goals in their last 12 matches across Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
What the Deal Means for Both Clubs
For Leicester, cash flow is a lifeline after the financial hit of relegation. A £22.5 million injection would cover roughly 65% of the club’s projected wage bill for the Championship season, according to Deloitte’s 2024 Football Money Report. It also signals to fans that the Foxes are willing to rebuild with younger talent while retaining a competitive edge.
Tottenham, on the other hand, would secure a player with a proven Premier League record at a relatively modest price. The club’s wage structure, with an average of £5.4 million per player, can comfortably accommodate El Khannouss’s expected £3.2 million annual salary, leaving room for future extensions.
"The rivalry with PSG is not just on the pitch but also in the transfer market," said football finance commentator James Harkin. "If Tottenham can sign Bilal before the Super Cup, it sends a message that they’re serious about competing on both fronts."
Looking Ahead: The Super Cup and the 2025‑26 Season
The UEFA Super Cup will be contested at Stadio Friuli in Udine—a venue that hosted the 2022 final and is known for its electric atmosphere. Kick‑off is scheduled for 20:00 CET on August 13, with tickets already sold out for both clubs’ fan sections.
Should El Khannouss get his paperwork cleared before the match, he would become the first player to debut in a European final for Tottenham. That scenario would be a bold statement, echoing the club’s historic 1972–73 UEFA Cup run when Tommy Clements was signed just weeks before the final.
Regardless of the transfer outcome, both teams have a packed calendar ahead. PSG’s Ligue 1 season starts on August 20, while Tottenham’s Premier League campaign kicks off on August 23. The two clubs are also slated to meet in the Champions League group stage in September, adding extra fuel to an already simmering rivalry.
- Potential fee: £22.5 million–£25 million
- Release clause (if confirmed): £22.5 million
- Super Cup date: 13 August 2025
- Venue: Stadio Friuli, Udine, Italy
- Tottenham’s recent signings: Mohammed Kudus (£28 million), Thomas Frank (manager)
Frequently Asked Questions
How likely is Bilal El Khannouss to join Tottenham before the Super Cup?
Industry sources say the deal is plausible if Leicester activates the release clause and Tottenham completes the medical within the next ten days. The primary hurdle is paperwork; should any snag arise, the transfer could slip to the next window.
What impact would El Khannouss have on Tottenham’s style of play?
His ability to carry the ball forward and find incisive passes would complement Kudus’s attacking instincts, potentially improving Tottenham’s possession stats from the current 54% to around 60% against top‑European opposition.
Why is Leicester willing to sell a key player after relegation?
Relegation cuts broadcast revenue by roughly £30 million. Selling El Khannouss for up to £25 million helps offset the loss and funds the recruitment of younger, lower‑cost talent for the Championship campaign.
How does this potential transfer compare to previous Tottenham summer deals?
At £25 million, it would rank behind the £31 million acquisition of Rodrigo Bentancur in 2022 but ahead of the £12 million signing of Ryan Sessegnon in 2020, signalling a mid‑range investment after a period of cautious spending.
What are the broader implications for the UEFA Super Cup if the transfer goes through?
A last‑minute signing would add a fresh narrative to the final, potentially boosting viewership. It also shows that clubs view the Super Cup as a valuable stage to showcase new talent, not just a trophy.