Bilal El Khannouss’ transition from Leicester City to VfB Stuttgart is increasingly expected to be finalised on a permanent basis next summer, as reports in Germany suggest the Bundesliga side have already made up their mind.
According to SportBILD, the Moroccan attacking midfielder has quickly become “THE difference” at Stuttgart, establishing himself as a central figure in the club’s early-season form after joining them on loan just before the summer window closed.
The 20-year-old has already made a strong impression in the German top-flight, recording three goals and two assists in his first several matches — output that underlines how comfortably he has adapted to life in a new league.
Those inside the Stuttgart camp are said to be fully convinced by El Khannouss’ potential, which is crucial given the structure of the loan deal. The agreement between Leicester and the German outfit includes a purchase obligation that is tied to certain benchmarks — and it now seems those conditions are on track to be easily fulfilled.
SportBILD notes that the structure of the agreement “almost certainly results” in the deal being made permanent, as the “barriers” to the transfer are “low”. In simpler terms, Stuttgart are expected to trigger the clause without hesitation.
The deal is valued at €18 million, with an extra €1 million for performance-related bonuses — a figure the Bundesliga side appear more than happy to spend if El Khannouss continues his current trajectory.
Leicester City, meanwhile, will likely be resigned to losing one of their brightest young prospects, though the sale could prove vital in balancing their financial outlook, especially in light of ongoing FFP scrutiny.