sevendayweekender – Bilal El Khannouss will complete a permanent move from Leicester City to VfB Stuttgart this summer after the conditions in his loan agreement were officially fulfilled. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder joined the Bundesliga side in September on an initial loan move that included an obligation to buy.
The confirmation ends uncertainty around one of Leicester’s most talented young players and rewards Stuttgart after a successful season with the Morocco international.
Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth said the club were delighted to secure El Khannouss on a permanent basis. Underlining how highly he is valued in Germany.
For Stuttgart, the transfer represents smart long-term planning. For the player, it offers stability and the chance to continue progressing in an environment where he has already made a strong impact.
El Khannouss originally joined Leicester from Genk for £21 million in August 2024. He arrived in England with a growing reputation as one of Europe’s more exciting young creative midfielders.
However, his first season with Leicester proved difficult collectively. He scored three goals in 39 appearances across all competitions. But the Foxes were unable to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Following relegation, Leicester faced the challenge of reshaping their squad while several players attracted outside interest. El Khannouss’ temporary move to Stuttgart gave him the opportunity to remain in top-flight football and continue his development.
That decision now appears highly successful for all involved.
Strong Bundesliga Form Secures Long-Term Future
This season, El Khannouss has scored eight goals and provided six assists for Stuttgart. Becoming an important figure in the side’s attacking structure.
As an attacking midfielder, he has shown creativity, technical quality, and calmness in possession. His ability to operate between lines, link attacks. And contribute directly in the final third has helped Stuttgart compete near the top of the table.
The club currently sit third in the Bundesliga, making this one of their strongest recent campaigns. They also enjoyed a notable European run, reaching the Europa League round of 16 before being eliminated by FC Porto.
Regular football in both domestic and European competition can be invaluable for a player still only 21 years old. Stuttgart clearly believe he can become an even more influential figure in future seasons.
El Khannouss has also enjoyed success internationally. He was part of the Morocco national football team squad that was retrospectively declared winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the original final result was overturned earlier this month.
That unusual achievement adds another significant milestone to a career that continues to rise quickly.
For Leicester supporters, the permanent departure may be disappointing given his age and potential. Yet it also reflects the realities clubs often face after relegation, particularly when top-flight sides move for their standout talents.
For Stuttgart fans, securing the move early provides certainty and allows the club to build ahead with one of their most promising performers already committed.
Overall, the permanent transfer looks beneficial for every party. Stuttgart retain a rising playmaker, El Khannouss continues his growth in a successful team. And Leicester gain clarity as they plan their next rebuild.
