Spanish sports newspaper As reported on Monday that Atletico Madrid is targeting young Moroccan midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, currently playing for Belgian club Genk, for a potential winter transfer. According to As, El Khannouss, 19, is viewed as the ideal reinforcement for Diego Simeone's midfield, with the newspaper declaring him «the best player to support the midfield of Simeone's team». As further indicates, El Khannouss, currently competing with Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations finals, has become Atletico's «preferred choice» to bolster their midfield and provide rest for veteran captain Koke. The newspaper emphasizes that while El Khannouss is a «high-profile prospect» attracting interest from several European teams, the «Red and Whites» have taken the initiative and hold optimism about securing his services in late January. As concludes by highlighting El Khannouss's talent despite his young age. They point to his impressive performances with both club and country, noting his status as the youngest World Cup player for Morocco and a key member of the team's «inspirational» run in Qatar.
