‘Sunderland spending spree to continue’ as Leicester forward targeted
Sunderland have been spending big ahead of their return to the Premier League.
The Black Cats have already confirmed the arrival of several new players, including Habib Diarra and Simon Adingra.
Régis Le Bris will hope his new options allow for a refreshed squad going into Sunderland’s first Premier League season since 2016/17.
And transfer chiefs at the Stadium of Light are not finished yet, with several further arrivals planned over the coming weeks.
Sunderland showing interest in Bilal El Khannouss
Sunderland have attempted to significantly bolster their options in wide positions this summer.
Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra are natural wingers, whilst Enzo Le Fee can also perform a role there if necessary.
Adingra, in particular, will excite fans of the Black Cats, with the Ivorian showing huge promise both for Brighton in the Premier League and for his national team.
But the club from the North East are still in the market for another wide man with Bilal El Khannouss among the candidates under consideration, according to Rob Dorsett (July 15).
Many other clubs are reportedly tracking the Morocco international, who Sunderland have admired for several months.
| Bilal El Khannouss | In all competitions – Leicester City (2024/25) |
| Appearances | 36 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 5 |
El Khannouss signed for Leicester City for around £20million last summer from Belgian side Genk.
And the 21-year-old showed promise in the Premier League in his opening campaign, despite a season in which the Foxes dropped straight back down to the Championship. Scoring two goals and providing three assists, El Khannouss was often the man Leicester looked to for a spark.
A match-winning strike from long range against Tottenham was the forward’s standout moment – the win coming in the middle of a run which saw Leicester lose 15 from 16.
El Khannouss would inject creativity
Although El Khannouss is more than capable of playing on the wing, the majority of his impact has come from the centre of the pitch.
A silky dribbler, the Moroccan often prefers to pick the ball up in the half-space and drive towards the box, often finding his man with an inside pass or shooting himself.
Le Bris’ system could suit El Khannouss in that respect, if the 21-year-old is deployed in an advanced role from midfield.
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