Bilal El Khannouss: Leeds linked with Stuttgart’s Moroccan-Belgian midfielder

Moroccan-Belgian attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss is the subject of a transfer rumour linking him with a move from Stuttgart to Leeds.

El Khannouss, 22, is valued at €35m and is contracted to Stuttgart until 30 June 2030. The reported likelihood of the proposed move is 35%.

He joined Stuttgart permanently from Leicester on 1 July for €15m after spending the 2025-26 season at the German club on loan. Leicester had signed him from Genk for €22.5m in August 2024.

El Khannouss made 25 Bundesliga appearances for Stuttgart, scoring four goals and providing five assists. He also scored five times in 11 Europa League appearances during his career.

The midfielder has featured for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, starting all six of the team’s possible matches and playing 82% of the available minutes. He has also won the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco in 2025, following success with Morocco’s under-23 side at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The rumour comes shortly after El Khannouss’s permanent move to Stuttgart, where he remains under a long-term contract. Leeds, who play in the Premier League, have been identified as the club linked with a potential deal.