German Bundesliga club Stuttgart have secured a ‘full agreement’ with Leicester City for Bilal El Khannouss, who had been pursued by Crystal Palace, and is already in Germany.
El Khannouss has openly expressed his wish to depart Leicester following their relegation from the Premier League, with Crystal Palace appearing as his most probable destination.
It was reported that the Morocco international was captivated by the prospect of joining the Eagles and was actively pushing for the transfer.
However, the deal unexpectedly stalled, and Stuttgart, flush with funds from the recent sale of striker Nick Woltemade to Newcastle United, seized the opportunity.
Now El Khannouss will be playing his football in the Bundesliga this season for Stuttgart under manager Sebastian Hoeness.
According to German broadcaster Sky Deutschland, Stuttgart’s move for El Khannouss is now finalized, with a ‘full agreement’ in place with Leicester.
Stuttgart will acquire El Khannouss from Leicester on a loan deal with an option to buy.
If the loan converts to an obligation, likely contingent on meeting specific conditions, the deal will be valued at €25m, including add-ons.
El Khannouss is already in Germany and is ready to complete the final details of his transfer to Stuttgart.
El Khannouss pushed to join Leicester from Belgian club Genk last season, eager to compete in the Premier League.
Despite the Foxes’ calamitous campaign, which resulted in their drop from the top tier, El Khannouss emerged with some positive recognition.
It remains uncertain whether he will become a target for Premier League clubs in future transfer windows.