Bilal El Khannouss

El Khannouss figures to hold a starting role with Morocco in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an impressive 2025/26 season with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.

Analysis: El Khannouss spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Stuttgart from Leicester City, but the 22-year-old impressed with nine goals and seven assists across 41 appearances for the German club across all competitions. That led Stuttgart to sign him on a permanent basis, and it should also translate into a prominent role in Morocco's midfield at the World Cup. Even though the African giants have lots of creative options, led by Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari, El Khannouss' ability to fill several roles in midfield should grant him regular minutes for one of the potential darkhorses in the tournament.

May 25, 2026

Permanently joins Stuttgart

El Khannouss has completed a transfer to Stuttgart from Leicester City, according to his new club.

Analysis: El Khannouss was on loan the past season but is now set to join Stuttgart permanently, inking a deal with Stuttgart through 2028. This comes after a decent season in a regular role for the team, notching 19 starts in 25 appearances, a solid debut in Germany at only age 22. He would fall just one goal contribution short of double-digit as he looks to build a name in the Bundesliga, likely to be a starter for the club for the next few years to come.

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