Marrakech – Freshly installed at Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart, Bilal El Khannouss’ name is already back in the transfer rumor mill. According to The Athletic, Newcastle United are keeping a close eye on the 21-year old attacking midfielder.
Per the report, the Moroccan talent is a recurring name in internal conversations at the Premier League club.
El Khannouss has been a key player for Stuttgart in his first season. In 17 appearances for the German side this season, the Moroccan international has recorded five goals and four assists.
In the event Newcastle choose to pursue a transfer move, the Magpies are expected to face resistance from the German club.
El Khannouss is currently on a loan from Leicester City, with game-time terms that could trigger a mandatory purchase option for the German club, per BILD reporter Felix Arnold. Though the minutes and games played parameters have yet to be met, according to the German news outlet, this contract option “will almost certainly result in an obligation to purchase.”
The option is reported to be around €18 million. If triggered, the clause would see El Khannouss signed to the German side through 2030, complicating a potential move to Newcastle.
This is not the first time the Magpies have demonstrated interest in El Khannous. During the Summer 2025 transfer window, Eddie Howe’s team, alongside Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Tottenham Hotspur, were all linked to the attacking midfielder.
El Khannouss provides a versatile tactical profile that is bound to attract suitors. The Moroccan international can be deployed as an attacking midfielder, creating chances while operating in the spaces behind the center-forward, or in central midfield, taking on more build-up and defensive duties while still being a catalyst to the attack. El Khannouss has also occasionally been deployed out wide.
If El Khannouss keeps up the form he’s showcased early this season, Newcastle will be among a long list of suitors seeking to obtain his services.
