Bilal El Khannouss rejects Al Ittihad to stay at Stuttgart

VfB Stuttgart turned down a late 40 million euro offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad for Moroccan playmaker Bilal El Khannouss just before the German transfer window closed.

The 22-year-old, considered one of Stuttgart’s brightest talents, personally vetoed the move despite the lucrative proposal arriving in the early hours of Tuesday.

Throughout the summer, El Khannouss had been linked with several clubs, including Newcastle United and Galatasaray, but it was Al Ittihad who made the most concrete push at the deadline. The Saudi club, searching for a replacement for Moussa Diaby, saw their bid confirmed by both Sky and Bild, with reports suggesting Stuttgart might have accepted had they not already sold Chema Andrés to Brighton.

El Khannouss would have doubled his earnings in Saudi Arabia, but his decision to stay underscores his commitment to Stuttgart’s project in the Bundesliga. The Moroccan international remains a key figure in the squad after committing his future to the club earlier in the window.

Al Ittihad still have time to pursue other targets, with the Saudi transfer market remaining open until October 12. For Stuttgart, retaining El Khannouss preserves a vital creative force as they navigate another demanding European and domestic campaign.