Bilal El Khannouss has officially joined VfB Stuttgart on a permanent deal, the Bundesliga club confirmed. The 22-year-old Moroccan international was previously at Stuttgart on loan from Leicester City, with the loan agreement including an obligation to buy following the 2025-26 season. El Khannouss has now signed a contract with the German side that will keep him at the club until 2028.
El Khannouss enjoyed a successful loan spell with Stuttgart, making 41 appearances across all competitions during the recently concluded season. He contributed significantly to the team’s attack, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists. His performances earned him recognition on the international stage, securing his place in Morocco’s squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Leicester City signed El Khannouss in the summer of 2023 from Genk, but he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter in the Championship. The move to Stuttgart provided him with consistent playing time and the opportunity to showcase his abilities in one of Europe’s top five leagues. He quickly became an integral part of Sebastian Hoeneß’s side, playing a key role in their push for a Champions League spot.
VfB Stuttgart’s sporting director, Fabian Wohlgemuth, expressed the club’s satisfaction with the permanent signing. “Bilal delivered convincing performances in all competitions for VfB last season, and furthermore, as a young player, he plays a central role in the Moroccan national team,” Wohlgemuth stated. He further added, “Bilal already possesses exceptional footballing abilities, and at the same time, we see further potential for development in him. We at Stuttgart are therefore convinced that he has not yet reached the end of his development.”
The completion of this transfer provides Stuttgart with a long-term attacking option and solidifies their squad ahead of continued competition in both the Bundesliga and European football. El Khannouss's continued development will be crucial as Stuttgart look to build on their recent success.
