Recently promoted to the Premier League, Sunderland have no intention of simply making up the numbers in their return to the top flight. The English club, now structured around Florent Ghisolfi — appointed Director of Football in July 2025 — is looking to strengthen its midfield, with Moroccan international Bilal El Khannouss emerging as a top target.
Aged 21, the Genk academy product currently plays for Leicester City, recently relegated to the Championship. Despite being under contract until 2028, El Khannouss — who already has 22 caps for Morocco — has no intention of playing in England’s second tier. A stance that has inevitably attracted interest.
Sunderland have recently made contact with the player’s entourage. Ambitious in their approach, the Black Cats hope to make the Moroccan attacking midfielder a key figure in their bid to stay in the Premier League. Ghisolfi, known for his sharp eye in the transfer market, is personally overseeing the deal since taking charge of the club’s sporting direction.
Other clubs are also monitoring the situation, including AS Monaco — who could make a move if there’s a departure in their attacking lineup — and West Ham, who have also made enquiries.
At this stage, Sunderland appear to be in pole position, but competition could intensify in the coming weeks.
