Newcastle Weighing Activation of El Khannouss' £30m Release Clause Before Deadline

August 12, 2025 – The Telegraph's John Percy reports Newcastle United are seriously considering triggering Bilal El Khannouss' release clause this week, with the £30m+ provision set to expire soon.

The Moroccan international has emerged as a prime attacking midfield target for Eddie Howe's side following Leicester City's relegation. Signed from Genk for £19.5m last August, the 21-year-old was among Leicester's few bright sparks in their Premier League campaign.

Key details:
• Imminent Deadline: Clause must be activated before week's end
• Competition: Leeds United also monitoring after his 2-assist performance against Sheffield Wednesday
• Leicester's Exodus: Foxes have already sold Hermansen, Ndidi and Coady this summer
• Newcastle's Ambition: Seeking versatile attackers to boost Champions League qualification push

El Khannouss, who played 90 minutes in Leicester's Championship opener, is viewed as having significant upside. His potential arrival would follow Newcastle's earlier signing of Everton's Amadou Onana.