Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss could be set to make his switch to Stuttgart permanent following his loan spell, according to BILD.
After leaving the Foxes on loan late in the summer transfer window, El Khannouss has caught the eye in the Bundesliga, leading Stuttgart to consider activating an €18.5 million buy-out clause.
With Leicester managing financial limitations and off-field challenges, the Moroccan’s potential sale could represent a pivotal moment in their rebuilding phase.
Leicester City prepared to approve permanent departure
El Khannouss joined Stuttgart on an initial loan move from Leicester City. The temporary deal reportedly featured an €18.5 million purchase option, which the German club now appears eager to trigger after being impressed by his displays.
Stuttgart have already paid Leicester a loan fee of about €3.5 million, and with El Khannouss settling quickly, they are now pushing to make his stay long-term.
What began as a short-term trial for El Khannouss now looks increasingly like a permanent move.
From Leicester’s point of view, approving the sale would make financial sense, but it would also mean parting ways with one of their brightest young talents.
Foxes thriving despite El Khannouss’ exit:
The success of this deal will largely depend on how effectively new arrivals and emerging talents step up to replace him.
For El Khannouss, the proposed move promises continuity in the Bundesliga within a settled environment. For Leicester, it could prove to be one of their most significant outgoing transfers.
Despite his absence, Leicester City have coped admirably, with several players ensuring the team doesn’t feel the loss of the 21-year-old midfielder.
After suffering their second relegation in three years, Leicester are now determined to secure promotion back to the Premier League.