Considering the relegation fears nagging away at the back of West Ham United minds, the prospect of signing two players from a club who finished inside the Premier League’s bottom three may set the nerves jangling.
Yet, there is value to be found in the ‘recently-relegated’ market.
Liverpool, to use but one example, signed both Georginio Wijnaldum and Andy Robertson after they dropped out of the top-flight with Newcastle United and Hull City respectively.
Now, this is not to say that Mads Hermansen and Bilal El Khannouss have Champions League winners’ medals to look forward to. But, while many can be blamed for Leicester’s dreadful 2024/25 campaign, few at the King Power Stadium would point the finger in their direction.
While West Ham are reportedly nearing a deal for John Victor of Botafogo – a second bid has arrived, somewhere between £8.75 and £10.5 million – Hammers News have been informed that Mads Hermansen is actually their first-choice.
And according to a man who has got a lot right this summer – reporter Ben Jacobs – another of Leicester’s bright sparks, Bilal El Khannouss, is one to watch at West Ham United too.
Ben Jacobs confirms West Ham United’s interest in Leicester City ace Bilal El Khannouss
The London Stadium faithful will need no introduction to either Hermansen or El Khannouss.
Hermansen was outstanding as Leicester stunned West Ham in December. A 3-1 defeat in which El Khannouss slipped through Jamie Vardy for his second minute opener and then doubled the tally himself with an instinctive finish.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Jacobs insists that taking El Khannouss away from the King Power will not be an easy task despite the presence of a £23 million clause in his Leicester contract. But, with a month of the window left, there is still plenty of time for things to develop.
“Bilal El Khannous, there is actually a relegation release clause. [He] can be available for 26 million euros, but the payment terms on that clause are not particularly preferable to a buying club,” Jacobs explains.
“This is why Leicester are essentially saying to suitors; ‘If you are prepared to go between £25 – £30 million, you can do the deal on your structure and terms. Otherwise, trigger the clause’,”
“I am under the impression that the [clause] has got to be paid within 12 months, which is difficult for some of the suitors.
“Leeds United are the latest club to make an enquiry. He has been on West Ham’s radar. Everton have taken a look as well, and Al-Alhi in Saudi Arabia and a few in Turkey as well; Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Besiktas.
“Leicester feel their valuation is going to be met because there is a high number of suitors. The player wants to go and play in a top-five league or, if he moves outside of that, European football somewhere.
“Leicester also need to sell if they are to make any significant inroads into the market. So, all the signs point to a Bilal El Khannouss exit.”
West Ham remain ‘optimistic’ on Mads Hermansen deal
A stylish, highly-technical if rather lightweight footballer, 21-year-old El Khannouss should come a lot cheaper than some of West Ham’s other attacking midfield targets.
Hammers News have been told that Aston Villa value Jacob Ramsey at £50 million-plus. Harvey Elliott is likely to cost a similar sum, despite making it clear that he is keen to leave Liverpool for more frequent game time.
As for Hermansen, sources out of Denmark claim that West Ham have agreed personal terms with Leicester City’s number one.
Those John Victor reports make things a little murkier of course, but there may be a chance that both goalkeepers arrive before the window closes.
West Ham, lest we forget, lost Lukasz Fabianski at the beginning of July.
That leaves the unconvincing Alphonse Areola and last season’s third-choice, Wes Foderingham, as Potter’s senior options. John Victor may be affordable enough to bring in as a back-up, especially if Leicester are willing to accept a vastly-reduced fee for Hermansen.
“I think West Ham are quite optimistic, and the reason for that is Leicester have brought in Asmir Begovic [as a new goalkeeper],” Jacobs says. “There are only a couple of assets who Leicester can sell for big money to help them.
“They need to strengthen in attack because Jamie Vardy has gone, so they maybe have to sacrifice one big name.
“Leicester, a year ago, valued [Hermansen] at £35 million. From my understanding, West Ham are thinking more around the £20 – £25 million mark. Still a lot of money for a goalkeeper, and maybe enough to turn the heads of the Leicester hierarchy.
“Expect West Ham to keep pushing. Talks are ongoing, and I think there is some optimism from Graham Potter and the recruitment team that they might get this one over the line.”
Long-serving Leicester enforcer Wilfred Ndidi has been linked with West Ham too in recent times.
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