LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Bilal El Khannouss of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Fulham at King Power Stadium on January 18, 2025 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
A Belgian football legend has suggested that one of Leicester City’s star players might regret his decision to join the club.
It’s been a challenging season for Foxes fans, who are deeply involved in a relegation battle. Leicester have lost their last seven Premier League matches and could match an unwanted 24-year record if they lose to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Supporters at the King Power Stadium have expressed frustration, turning their anger towards both the players and the club’s leadership, with director of football John Rudkin at the forefront of their ire.
While some players have stood out in an otherwise disappointing campaign, one football legend believes a key Leicester player made a poor decision by joining the club.
Gert Verheyen, a Belgian football icon with over 50 caps and more than 200 career goals, believes Bilal El Khannouss made the wrong choice in joining Leicester City.
Despite recruitment being a significant issue for Leicester this season, El Khannouss has been one of the club’s bright spots. The midfielder has shown flashes of quality, sparking hope among fans that he could be key to guiding the team to safety.
However, his substitution on Saturday was met with boos from the crowd, with some fans questioning the decision.
El Khannouss, who joined Leicester for £21m from Genk in the summer, received criticism from Verheyen, who stated, “I don’t understand why El Khannouss went to Leicester. I think that’s a very bad choice. I would have chosen the Bundesliga instead, to a top five club, with a lot of support around you.”
Though it may seem unfair to rely on a 20-year-old in his first Premier League season, El Khannouss has been one of the few players who appear capable of rescuing Leicester’s season. Jamie Vardy has struggled for form, and aside from Facundo Buonanotte, El Khannouss looks like one of the few with the potential to help the Foxes escape relegation.
As an attacking midfielder in the number 10 role, El Khannouss has shown a willingness to work hard, win the ball back, and push forward in search of key passes. His performances have caught the attention of other clubs, as his talent is undeniable.
The main criticism of him is his lack of goals and assists (two goals, four assists), but it’s difficult to tally up contributions when those ahead of you aren’t finishing chances.
With so much on the line this season, it’s clear that El Khannouss is ready to rise to the challenge and fight for Leicester’s survival.
