Leicester tracking Moroccan right-winger for transfer: Exclusive details

Leicester City are tracking wanted Moroccan Zakaria Aboukhlal. Here are all the details including exclusive info from transfer journalist Ekrem Konur.

12 games played, 11 points gained, no longer rock bottom of the Premier League. The King Power side will be looking to press onwards and climb the table, and the January transfer window could be crucial in taking that forward.

We have already seen a goalkeeper and midfielder being considered, and now the Foxes are looking to strengthen their attacking options with – another – right-winger, hopefully this time not on loan to buy. To be specific, reports indicate there is interest in Moroccan international Aboukhlal.

What to know about Zakaria Aboukhlal

The right-winger has only recently transferred to his current club – Toulouse – in Ligue 1, after previously performing for AZ Alkmaar since the 19/20 campaign. The player is not overly prolific, but has consistently contributed for his sides.

At only 22, the Moroccan international has played 12 games thus far this season, scoring thrice and assisting the same quantity. Although not prolific, six goal contributions is nothing to snuff at. By comparison, our James Maddison has 10 appearances, six goals, and two assists. So, the 22-year-old does at least contribute well.

Luckily for us, FB Ref provides a brilliant illustration of what the Moroccan could offer Leicester City. Aboukhlal is within the 98th percentile of players for progressive passing, 97th for touches in the penalty box and 90th for non-penalty xG plus xA. This means he is comparatively progressive and aggressive in the final third to other players.

The Foxes could expect a player stylistically similar to Harvey Barnes: progressive, aggressive, and loves running into the penalty box to create and take chances. Certainly, I have no quarrels with possible signings.

What FoL know and Leicester City exclusives

According to the aforementioned reports, the player has four years left on his recently signed deal, so any move could be far in excess of current market value of around £3m. To be clear, anything below £15m would still be fairly good, and I expect this could be around £10m if the King Power moved for him this January.

However, it is not just Leicester interested. The Moroccan is wanted. According to both the reports and our exclusive details from Ekrem Konur, the Foxes have not yet made a decision on the player, although they have watched him. Southampton FC and PSV are also meant to be monitoring the situation.

Wanted, cheap, stylistically suited, but untested in the ‘Prem’, this move could either be another stroke of brilliance or a waste of time and money. With the January window fast approaching, Brendan Rodgers will be keen to see some new faces.