Frustration and Impatience at VfB Stuttgart
VfB Stuttgart is reportedly facing a challenging situation regarding the future of Bilal El Khannouss, as the player himself seems increasingly eager to explore transfer options. According to information from Kicker, the 22-year-old forward is experiencing growing frustration and impatience with his current role within the team, which won the DFB-Pokal in 2025. Initially, during the last season under coach Sebastian Hoeneß, El Khannouss was a regular starter, but his playing time has significantly dwindled as the season progressed.
After a successful stint in the Africa Cup, where El Khannouss was part of the Moroccan national team that faced Senegal, his role has shifted dramatically. He has often been relegated to a substitute appearance, which has contributed to his desire for a transfer. A pivotal moment for this shift in sentiment appears to have been the DFB-Pokal final against Bayern Munich in May, where he was only brought on in the 78th minute and could not influence the match, which ended in a 3-0 defeat for Stuttgart.
Stuttgart's Stance on El Khannouss
Despite El Khannouss's intentions to seek opportunities elsewhere, VfB Stuttgart reportedly remains reluctant to part ways with him. The player joined Stuttgart last summer on loan from Leicester City, with the club activating a purchase option worth €18 million at the end of May. In his first season with Stuttgart, he made a total of 41 competitive appearances, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists. His current contract extends until 2030, and there is no apparent release clause.
Currently, El Khannouss is competing in the World Cup, where he has started in all four matches for Morocco, helping the team reach the quarter-finals against formidable opponents. However, he has yet to contribute with goals or assists in the tournament. As the situation develops, both Stuttgart and El Khannouss will need to navigate this delicate balance between ambition and commitment to the club.
As reported by spox.com.
