It wasn’t exactly a secret that we wanted Leicester City’s talented playmaker, Bilal El-Khanouss in the summer transfer window. In the end, the 21-year-old Moroccan international moved to DFB Stuttgart on loan, though it was obvious why we wanted him.
I’d seen some of what he did last season and he is that creative spark that we could have done with so far this term and he can also score goals.
With the January transfer window fast approaching and, seemingly, a new system installed, I wouldn’t be surprised if Daniel Farke isn’t looking for value buys already (despite what he’s said). The fact is, I think if the right player was available for the right price, we’d take him.
Who Is Anis Mehmeti?
A little bit older than El-Khanouss, at 24, Mehmeti appears to be coming of age in this campaign. Born in London, he is of Albanian descent and plays for their national team. He has been a revelation so far for Bristol City this term; a club that has developed somewhat of a habit of unearthing talent over the years.
Six assists and six goals is very promising and he’s probably on course to hit double figures before the season is out, though I think, if we were quoted a reasonable price, he’d be worth a gamble in January.
Also, there is no media outlet that is currently linking him to us, or any other club for that matter, which suggests we might get him for a decent price. It seems for attacking Championship talent with potential, £15 million is the going rate; if we wait until the summer, I would think that figure would double because he’ll score more goals and add more assists.
I’d be interested to see where he would be able to slot in, though I think he would be an upgrade on Aaronson and Ao Tanaka in a playmaker/attacking midfield role and his chance creation so far for the 2025/26 season stands at 31; considerably higher than other Championship attacking midfielders.
The question probably would be whether he would be able to adapt to the Premier League and whether he would be too much of a risk, considering where we are in the Premier League table.
We Need Attacking Quality And Goals
Arguably the strongest advantage that Mehmeti has, is that he is an attacking midfielder who can score goals (albeit in the Championship), something that we don’t currently seem to have – at least not in prolific fashion.
Exactly where he would fit into the starting XI is something I’m not too sure about; especially in this ‘new’ system, though there certainly would be a vacancy. You’d expect two of Anton Stach (who is good for a goal), Sean Longstaff (a great engine) and Ethan Ampadu (tough tackler and great passer) to fill two spots, but it leaves another open that is more advanced. This is where I think Memhmeti could fit in very well for us.
The big question would be, how plausible this transfer would be in January, though I think if we can get in quick, he could turn out to be a very good value and effective signing.
