Ghisolfi ‘ready to finalise El Khannouss transfer’ as Sunderland make approach
Sunderland are determined to add another winger to Regis Le Bris’ squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.
With the signings of Simon Adingra and Chemsdine Talbi, the competition for a starting position on the wing for Sunderland next season is going to be fierce.
This competition could be set to ramp up even further, with the Black Cats linked to another attacker in Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss.
Attackers are not Sunderland’s only priority in the market, however, with centre back Nayef Aguerd also rumoured to be signing for Le Bris’ side.
It makes a double Moroccan arrival a real possibility.
Sunderland approach El Khannouss over potential move
El Khannouss is the latest in a long list of wide players who Sunderland have taken an interest in, with Armand Lauriente being another one of their transfer targets.
With sporting director Kristjaan Speakman admitting Sunderland are still looking at bringing several more signings to the Stadium of Light, El Khannouss could be set to become their latest addition.
According to reports from L’Equipe (13 July), Sunderland have approached the Foxes over El Khannouss in the hope of finalising a transfer.
The Moroccan international, 21, does not want to play in the Championship following Leicester’s relegation, making the approach for the player, led by director of football Florent Ghisolfi, a realistic one.
| Bilal El Khannouss | Premier League stats (2024/25 season) |
| Appearences | 32 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 3 |
Other clubs have also enquired about El Khannouss’ services, including the likes of Monaco and West Ham, but Sunderland appear to be a step ahead of the winger’s other potential suitors.
Le Bris should be hesitant to sign the Moroccan
Whilst the reports around El Khannouss fail to mention any potential fee, a deal could be relatively expensive with the youngster’s contract at Leicester running up until 2028.
On paper, Lauriente seems like a far better signing than El Khannouss, with the Frenchman having multiple years of top-flight experience in both France and Italy.
With Adingra and Talbi already arriving in the North East, and being 23 and 20 respectively, Sunderland have already added more young stars out wide in addition to players already like Romaine Mundle.
At 26, Lauriente is a player in the middle of his prime who would provide some much-needed experience for Le Bris in the final third.
More transfers are coming.
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