Leicester City’s turbulent summer saga surrounding Bilal El Khannouss has taken another twist — and it’s one that might sting for Foxes fans.
The Moroccan midfielder, who reportedly refused to feature for Leicester earlier in the season, has now sealed a loan move to Bundesliga side Stuttgart — and wasted no time declaring that he wants to stay there permanently.
It’s a story that dates back to the early stages of the campaign when, according to reports from highly credible outlets, El Khannouss made it clear to head coach Marti Cifuentes that he would not play for Leicester during pre-season — or once the Championship season got underway.
As one report put it, “Before Leicester’s opening match of the season at home to Sheffield Wednesday, one wantaway player told him he did not want to be considered for selection. Yet Cifuentes informed him flatly that he would be in the squad and considered the matter over. The player did appear that weekend.” – The Telegraph.
At the time, the identity of the player was left unnamed, but many suspected it was El Khannouss. His behaviour was viewed as deeply unprofessional by many within the club and among supporters — a move that left a bitter taste after Leicester had given him a major career platform.
El Khannouss’ decision to push for an exit seemed to reflect a growing frustration about Leicester’s situation following their relegation from the Premier League. Despite Cifuentes’ efforts to rebuild a competitive side, the midfielder appeared to have one foot out the door even before the new campaign began.
Now, with his move to Stuttgart complete, the 20-year-old has gone on record expressing his happiness in Germany and hinted strongly at a long-term stay. He’s spoken of how quickly he’s settled in, how he “feels at home” in Stuttgart, and how he’s eager to make his mark in the Bundesliga rather than return to the East Midlands.
For Leicester fans, it’s hard not to feel disappointed. What once looked like a promising young talent poised to become a key figure in their rebuild has instead become a symbol of the growing challenges the club faces with player loyalty and ambition in the wake of their financial struggles and looming FFP troubles.
While Cifuentes has kept his composure throughout, focusing on those who are committed to the cause, the El Khannouss situation is a reminder of just how fragile dressing-room harmony can be when a player decides his future lies elsewhere.
And if El Khannouss’ latest comments are anything to go by, his chapter at Leicester City might already be closed — not with a farewell, but with a shrug.