Newcastle handed fresh opportunity to sign Moroccan star Bilal El Khannouss

Newcastle United could revive their interest in Moroccan midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, with Stuttgart reportedly willing to entertain offers for the 21-year-old during the January transfer window.

The Bundesliga club are prepared to part ways with the attacking midfielder for a fee in the region of €40 million, including add-ons, which translates to approximately £33.5 million.

The development could offer Newcastle another chance to secure a player they previously pursued, as manager Jaissle looks to strengthen his attacking options.

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Stuttgart are open to selling El Khannouss in January, although Turkish giants Galatasaray are also monitoring his situation.

No concrete move has been made by the interested clubs, but Stuttgart’s reported willingness to negotiate could reignite the transfer battle for the Moroccan international.

Newcastle were strongly linked with El Khannouss following Leicester City’s relegation from the Premier League. The Magpies reportedly explored a deal before eventually turning their attention to Jacob Ramsey.

El Khannouss subsequently confirmed that Newcastle were among the clubs interested in securing his services, although neither the Magpies nor Crystal Palace activated his reported £30 million release clause.

Speaking about his transfer situation, the midfielder revealed that moving to England had been his preferred option.

“Of course, the Premier League was my priority in the last transfer window.

“I was in contact with several clubs, and with some I was even in advanced negotiations. But it didn’t work out. As far as concrete offers were concerned, it was mainly Crystal Palace and Newcastle, to a lesser extent.”

El Khannouss offers creativity Newcastle need

The Moroccan has continued to develop in Germany, with his attacking contributions highlighting why Newcastle could consider another attempt to sign him.

He registered nine goals and nine assists last season, demonstrating his ability to influence matches in the final third.

Newcastle have several energetic and hardworking midfielders, but a natural attacking midfielder capable of operating between the lines remains an attractive addition to their squad.

El Khannouss could provide that missing dimension, offering creativity, vision and a goal threat in the No.10 position within Jaissle’s 4-2-3-1 system.

At 21, he also fits the profile of a player who could offer both immediate quality and long-term value.

His technical ability and capacity to unlock compact defences could give Newcastle another attacking outlet, particularly against opponents who defend deep.

Joe Willock’s future could influence Newcastle move

Joe Willock’s uncertain future could also become an important factor in Newcastle’s pursuit of El Khannouss.

The midfielder is approaching the final months of his contract and attracted serious interest from Turkish side Besiktas during the previous summer transfer window.

Willock has received increased playing opportunities under Jaissle and has scored three goals this season. However, Newcastle could face a difficult decision over whether to retain him or consider a January sale rather than risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires.

Should Besiktas or another interested club submit an acceptable offer, his departure could create room in the squad and generate funds for a replacement.

El Khannouss would offer a different profile from Willock, providing a more natural attacking midfield presence rather than another option primarily suited to a deeper or box-to-box role.

There is currently no indication that Newcastle have renewed their interest or made an approach to Stuttgart.

However, the combination of their previous admiration for the Moroccan, Stuttgart’s reported willingness to sell and uncertainty surrounding Willock’s future could create an opportunity worth exploring when the January transfer window opens.