Newcastle United are stepping up their pursuit of new additions before the summer transfer window closes, but it hasn’t been easy.
The Magpies have qualified for the Champions League and entered the summer market as major trophy winners for the first time in almost seven decades.
This season’s successes opened the door for what many hoped would be a strong summer transfer window, with an attractive project for prospective signings and the promise of European football on the most elite stage.
However, things could not have been more frustrating for Eddie Howe.
The club have not only failed to secure some of their top targets but have also been overshadowed by ongoing uncertainty surrounding star striker Alexander Isak.
The Swedish forward has been absent from all pre-season preparations since requesting the opportunity to explore his options elsewhere, with Premier League champions Liverpool reportedly keen to secure his services.
While the arrivals of Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale and, most recently, AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw will be warmly welcomed, a dark cloud still hangs over Tyneside as supporters wait to see where Isak’s future lies.
According to The Telegraph’s Midlands correspondent John Percy, Newcastle have now turned their attention to Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss.
Writing on social media platform X, Percy revealed:
“Newcastle have a strong interest in #lcfc attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss and are looking at a possible deal.”
“El Khannouss has a release clause and is also attracting interest from other PL clubs, including Leeds, in this window. #nufc”
He later followed up with an article for The Telegraph, stating that Newcastle are considering triggering the relegation release clause in El Khannouss’ contract, believed to be in excess of £30m.
Should Newcastle sign Bilal El Khannouss?
There is no doubt that squad depth will be absolutely crucial as Newcastle aim to further their ambitions of becoming a genuine threat in European football while maintaining their domestic competitiveness.
The added fixtures in the Champions League will be a stern test for Howe, who will need a squad packed with high-quality players capable of rotating seamlessly without a drop in standards.
He must bring in players he can trust to change games and find alternative routes to victory when games aren’t going their way.
El Khannouss – once hailed as a “pleasure to watch” by Genk’s former technical director Dimitri De Condé – is a creative, attack-minded player capable of influencing games with his ball retention, dribbling and vision.
Although the Leicester star wouldn’t be a direct replacement for Joelinton, he would offer versatility by operating both as a number 10 and in wide attacking roles if needed, in a similar way to Harvey Barnes.
With that in mind, a move for El Khannouss could be one to watch for Newcastle fans over the final weeks of the window, and if the deal does go through, it will be fascinating to see how Howe integrates him into the side.
