VfB Stuttgart have confirmed the departure of Malian striker El Bilal Touré following the conclusion of his loan agreement, bringing an end to the forward’s short-lived stint in the Bundesliga.
The 24-year-old, who joined the German club from Atalanta last summer, struggled to make a lasting impact during his time in Stuttgart. Despite moments of promise, his overall contribution fell short of expectations set by the club, prompting the decision not to pursue a permanent deal.
Touré’s return to Atalanta now puts his future firmly back in the spotlight. The Serie A side are reportedly open to offloading the forward, and interest from across Europe has already begun to emerge.
While his season in Germany failed to live up to the initial hopes surrounding his arrival, Touré’s potential continues to attract attention from clubs in search of a dynamic attacking option.
Signed by Stuttgart with the aim of injecting pace and power into their forward line, Touré arrived with a reputation for raw athleticism and goal-scoring ability.
However, consistency eluded him in the Bundesliga, and a series of underwhelming performances saw him fall down the pecking order.
His time in Germany was marked by flashes of his ability, but they were too few to make a convincing case for a long-term future at the club.
Stuttgart, who have been rebuilding under a more disciplined tactical framework, were keen to find a striker who could fit seamlessly into their system.
Touré, while showing glimpses of quality, struggled to adapt fully to the demands of German football and the expectations placed on him.
His goal return and overall contribution did not meet the standard required, leading to the mutual decision to part ways at the end of the campaign.
Now back at Atalanta, Touré faces an uncertain path. The Italian side, having managed without him for the duration of his loan, are not expected to reintegrate him into their first-team plans.
Instead, they are exploring transfer options as they look to capitalise on lingering interest in the Malian international.
At 24, Touré still has time to realise the potential that once saw him labelled as one of Africa’s rising stars.
His combination of physical presence and attacking instinct continues to intrigue scouts and clubs looking for a forward with room to develop.
While his season in Germany did little to raise his profile, it has not diminished the belief in his long-term value.
What comes next for the striker will likely be determined during the upcoming summer transfer window.
With suitors reportedly monitoring his status, Touré could soon be on the move once more — possibly to a club willing to invest in his development and provide the consistent game time he lacked in Stuttgart.
For now, his chapter in Germany has come to a close. Stuttgart move forward in search of attacking reinforcements, while El Bilal Touré turns his attention to a future that remains open, if uncertain.
