sevendayweekender – Morocco International Leaves Leicester City After Bundesliga Success VfB Stuttgart have confirmed the permanent signing of attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City following a successful loan spell in Germany. The Morocco international impressed during the 2025-26 season and convinced the Bundesliga club to complete a full transfer.
El Khannouss joined Stuttgart on loan last summer after Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League. The possibility of the midfielder returning to the King Power Stadium became increasingly unlikely following Leicester’s second consecutive relegation, which leaves the club preparing for League One football next season.
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The 22-year-old made 41 appearances across all competitions during his time with Stuttgart. His performances played an important role in helping the German club secure fourth place in the Bundesliga standings.
Stuttgart’s top-four finish also guaranteed qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League. El Khannouss contributed significantly throughout the campaign by scoring nine goals and providing seven assists.
The Moroccan playmaker quickly adapted to Bundesliga football after leaving England on loan. His technical ability, creativity, and movement helped strengthen Stuttgart’s attacking midfield options throughout the season.
El Khannouss originally joined Leicester City from Belgian club Genk in 2024. He featured in 36 matches during Leicester’s difficult 2024-25 campaign as the club suffered relegation from the Premier League.
Following Leicester’s return to the Championship, the club allowed the midfielder to continue his development in Germany. The decision proved beneficial for both Stuttgart and the player.
The midfielder’s strong form also helped solidify his place within Morocco’s national team setup. El Khannouss is included in Morocco’s squad for this summer’s World Cup tournament.
Young attacking midfielders with strong technical qualities remain highly valued across European football. Stuttgart now appear committed to building part of their future squad around El Khannouss’ long-term development.
The permanent agreement also reflects Stuttgart’s confidence in the player’s ability to continue improving. Bundesliga clubs increasingly invest in younger players capable of developing into elite-level performers.
Stuttgart Sporting Director Praises Bilal El Khannouss’ Potential
Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth praised El Khannouss after the permanent transfer was confirmed. The club executive highlighted both the midfielder’s current quality and future development potential.
“In the season just ended, Bilal excelled across all competitions in a VfB shirt,” Wohlgemuth told Stuttgart’s official website.
The sporting director also emphasized the midfielder’s growing importance within Morocco’s national team. Despite his age, El Khannouss has already established himself as a significant international player.
“He has established himself at a young age as one of the lynchpins of the Moroccan national team,” Wohlgemuth added.
Stuttgart believe the midfielder still possesses considerable room for improvement despite his already impressive performances. The Bundesliga club views him as a player capable of reaching an even higher level.
“Bilal already has exceptional footballing skills, but at the same time, we see further scope for development,” Wohlgemuth explained.
“As such, we’re convinced that he’s not yet reached his full potential,” he continued. Meanwhile, Leicester City continue reshaping their squad following relegation to League One. The club recently confirmed the departures of 10 first-team players as preparations begin for a major rebuilding process.
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Ricardo Pereira, Jordan Ayew, Patson Daka, Jamaal Lascelles, and Wanya Marcal all left after their contracts expired. Leicester also confirmed the conclusion of several loan agreements involving Jordan James, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Aribo, Divine Mukasa, and Dujuan Richards.
Veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begovic remains in discussions regarding a possible extension with the club. Leicester have not yet officially announced El Khannouss’ departure despite Stuttgart confirming the permanent transfer.
The midfielder now begins the next stage of his career in Germany after a highly productive loan spell. Stuttgart supporters will hope El Khannouss can continue developing as the club prepares for Champions League football next season.
