As the summer transfer window approaches, the buzz around young talent Bilal El Khannouss is reaching a fever pitch. The Moroccan international midfielder, currently with Leicester City, has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe following the club's relegation to the Championship. With a €26 million release clause in his contract, numerous clubs are lining up to secure his services.
Leading the charge is Olympique de Marseille, where sporting director Mehdi Benatia, a former captain of the Atlas Lions, is reportedly pulling out all the stops to lure El Khannouss to Ligue 1. Benatia's close ties with the player could play a crucial role in convincing him that a move to the Vélodrome is the next ideal step in his burgeoning career. Despite El Khannouss's preference to stay in the Premier League, the allure of Marseille is undeniable.
However, Marseille is not alone in this race. Premier League clubs Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa are all monitoring the situation closely, with Arsenal particularly keen on the 20-year-old talent. Serie A side Napoli has also expressed interest, making this a multi-league tug-of-war for one of Morocco's brightest prospects.
Leicester City, resigned to losing El Khannouss, has made it clear that they will not entertain offers below the €26 million mark. For now, El Khannouss remains a Fox, but with the transfer window approaching, his future looks destined for a grander stage.
Meanwhile, Leeds United is preparing to make waves of its own in the transfer market. Fresh off their promotion back to the Premier League, the Whites are set to submit a bid for Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi. Reports indicate that Leeds will "soon" submit an offer for the 26-year-old Argentine international, who has made 162 appearances for Marseille since joining the club in 2020.
Foot Mercato has revealed that Marseille is willing to let Balerdi depart for a fee of £38 million. Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is keen to bolster his squad ahead of the new season, recognizing the need for true top-level experience in defense to avoid the fate of many promoted teams who have been relegated after just one season.
With a successful season in the Championship behind them, Leeds is looking to invest in fresh talent to ensure they can compete effectively in the top division. Balerdi, who has previously played for Boca Juniors and Borussia Dortmund, fits the bill as a player with significant experience in top-flight football.
As Leeds prepares to make their move, Marseille is also exploring other options in the defensive department. The club is reportedly considering signing Jordan Torunarigha on a free transfer as they reassess their defensive lineup. This comes in light of speculation surrounding Balerdi's future and the limited impact of winter signing Luiz Felipe, who has struggled to secure a starting position.
Torunarigha, a 27-year-old central defender currently with Belgian side La Gantoise, will become a free agent this summer and has expressed interest in joining Marseille. Having made 41 appearances across all competitions this season, including 30 in the Jupiler Pro League, Torunarigha has been a key figure for La Gantoise since his arrival in January 2022.
Medhi Benatia is reportedly advancing negotiations for this potential acquisition, which is valued at around €4.5 million. If successful, bringing Torunarigha to the Stade Vélodrome could provide a much-needed boost to Marseille's defense, aligning perfectly with the club's strategic vision for the upcoming season.
As the transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on these clubs as they look to secure the best talent available. With El Khannouss, Balerdi, and Torunarigha all at the center of speculation, the summer promises to be an exciting time for fans and clubs alike.
