Leicester's El Khannouss in permanent Stuttgart move

Bilal El Khannouss has completed a permanent move from Leicester City to VfB Stuttgart, the German club have confirmed.

Attacking midfielder El Khannouss moved to Stuttgart on loan last summer and they have now sealed his permanent signing after the Morocco international impressed over the course of 41 appearances in all competitions.

The prospect of the playmaker returning to the King Power Stadium was unlikely, following Leicester's second successive relegation which has left them preparing for League One football next term.

El Khannouss joined the Foxes in 2024 from Belgian side Genk and featured in 36 games as they suffered relegation from the Premier League in 2025, but following their return to the Championship he was permitted a loan move to the Bundesliga.

The 22-year-old, who is in Morocco's squad for this summer's World Cup, made a substantial contribution to Stuttgart's efforts last season as they finished fourth in Germany's top flight and secured Champions League football; he scored nine goals and contributed seven assists.

Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth told the Stuttgart website: "In the season just ended, Bilal excelled across all competitions in a VfB shirt and has established himself at a young age as one of the lynchpins of the Moroccan national team.

"Bilal already has exceptional footballing skills, but at the same time, we see further scope for development. As such, we're convinced that he's not yet reached his full potential."

Leicester, who are yet to officially announce El Khannouss' exit themselves, recently confirmed the departure of 10 first-team players following relegation to League One.

Ricardo Pereira, Jordan Ayew, Patson Daka, Jamaal Lascelles and Wanya Marcal have all left upon the expiry of their contracts, while the respective loan agreements for Jordan James, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Aribo, Divine Mukasa and Dujuan Richards have ended.

Veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begovic's deal is also up, but he is still in talks with the club about remaining in the East Midlands.