Sport Bild has now revealed that Leicester City are set to lose one of their brightest young talents permanently, with VfB Stuttgart preparing to activate the automatic €18m buy option for Bilal El Khannouss.
The German club already paid around €3.5m as a loan fee to secure the Moroccan playmaker for the season — and it now looks inevitable that the full deal will be triggered.
Although the exact conditions tied to the €18m obligation remain undisclosed, it’s widely believed to be linked to appearances. If that is the case, the switch is practically confirmed.
El Khannouss has immediately become an undisputed starter in the Bundesliga, beginning all four league matches since touching down in Stuttgart and delivering four goals and two assists across all competitions.
His instant impact has seen him transform into a fan favourite, with his long-range strikes and creative brilliance lighting up games. Sebastian Hoeneß, who strongly believed in the 21-year-old from day one, has been openly delighted with his evolution.
After El Khannouss fired in the winning goal in a 1-0 triumph over Heidenheim at the weekend, Hoeneß offered glowing praise during his post-match assessment:
“In the second half, you saw what he is capable of,” Hoeneß said.
“He is technically strong, agile, has great first touch, and is two-footed. He’s a great goal-scoring threat with an excellent goal-scoring rate. He still has some fluctuations and needs to find balance. Sometimes he wants to make things too beautiful or ingenious. He should remain in the center as he’s really dangerous there.”
Stuttgart’s confidence, his electric form, and the ease with which he has adapted to the Bundesliga all point to one conclusion: the €18m automatic option will be fulfilled, and El Khannouss’ Leicester City chapter is now all but closed.