Stuttgart face late summer test to keep Morocco midfielder Bilal El Khannouss

Bilal El Khannouss could become one of the main stories of the closing weeks of the summer transfer window, with two Premier League clubs having made enquiries about the VfB Stuttgart midfielder.

The 22-year-old Morocco attacking midfielder would be open to leaving Stuttgart if a proposal matched both his sporting ambitions and the German club’s expectations, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg. The situation was first reported exclusively by Africafoot.

There are no advanced discussions at present, but interest from England has put El Khannouss’ future under scrutiny as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.

Stuttgart are aware of the growing attention surrounding their player and remain keen to keep him for the coming season. The former KRC Genk player is regarded as one of the key members of the squad and remains firmly part of the plans of the club’s coaching staff.

However, Stuttgart’s hierarchy have not completely ruled out the possibility of a transfer. Should El Khannouss leave, the club would seek a fee of up to 60m euros, with additional bonuses potentially included in any agreement.

That valuation reflects the confidence Stuttgart have in the player’s potential after a series of notable performances since his move to the Bundesliga. His current market value is estimated at 35m euros, while he is under contract with Stuttgart until 30 June 2030.

El Khannouss earns an annual salary of 2,830,000 euros, equivalent to 1,839,500,000 FCFA.

The midfielder’s technical ability, vision and scope for further development continue to attract interest. His qualities have made him an appealing option for clubs looking for a creative player, although no Premier League side has yet made a concrete move.

Stuttgart’s preference is to retain the Atlas Lion, but the situation could change quickly if one of the interested English clubs decides to progress beyond gathering information and submits a formal offer.

With the player’s long-term contract giving Stuttgart a strong negotiating position, any potential deal would require a significant financial commitment. The club’s possible 60m-euro asking price, plus bonuses, is substantially higher than El Khannouss’ estimated market value and underlines the importance attached to him in Germany.

For now, the midfielder remains a Stuttgart player and there is no indication that negotiations with a Premier League club are at an advanced stage. Nevertheless, the final weeks of the summer window could prove decisive, particularly if interest from England develops into a formal approach.