Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss as he eyes Premier League return.
Newcastle United have emerged as serious contenders in the race to sign Bilal El Khannouss, with sources close to the midfielder indicating that the Morocco international is determined to return to the Premier League in 2026. The 21-year-old is currently thriving on loan at VfB Stuttgart from Leicester City, and he has made no secret of his ambition to return to English football once his loan spell ends.
El Khannouss joined Leicester from Genk in 2024 but departed for Germany the following year when they restructured the squad. Despite adapting quickly to the Bundesliga, those close to the player say he sees unfinished business in England’s top flight. That desire, combined with Newcastle United’s renewed push to add young creative midfielders, has placed the Magpies in a strong position ahead of what could become a competitive pursuit.
Newcastle United monitoring a rapidly rising talent
El Khannouss has excelled during his early months at Stuttgart, registering two goals and three assists in nine Bundesliga starts while also making his mark in Europe with three goals in the Europa League. Newcastle United’s scouting department has followed him closely, impressed by how comfortably he has transitioned into one of Europe’s most tactically demanding leagues.
Newcastle United intend to mix high-ceiling youth with established Premier League quality over the next two years, and the Moroccan’s contract situation aligns neatly with that timeline. He remains tied to Leicester until 2028, meaning the Foxes hold leverage, unless the player signals a firm desire to move on.
Leicester City signed El Khannouss after a standout spell at Genk, where he amassed 94 senior appearances before turning 20. His ball-carrying, spatial awareness, and ability to unlock compact defences convinced Premier League clubs of his potential long before he left Belgium. Even during Leicester’s turbulent 2024/25 season, he produced three goals and seven assists, performances that kept his name firmly on Premier League shortlists.
Stuttgart face a losing battle
VfB Stuttgart’s admiration for El Khannouss has grown rapidly. They hold an option to buy him for €20-25 million but understand that triggering the clause is only the first step; the player must want to stay. Early indications suggest that while El Khannouss is enjoying his football in Germany, he will not commit to Stuttgart long-term if Premier League clubs, Newcastle United foremost among them, make their interest formal.
Competition is already forming. Sources indicate that other Premier League sides have kept tabs on El Khannouss, while Leeds United attempted to sign him in 2025 after being impressed by his debut English season. Newcastle United, however, appear best positioned in terms of long-term planning and squad fit.
For the Tyneside outfit, this is a pursuit that makes strategic sense. El Khannouss is not just a technically gifted midfielder; he is a player who has consistently shown he can adapt to new environments, absorb responsibility, and produce in multiple competitions. Those who watched him at Genk saw a teenager dictating senior matches. Those observing him at Stuttgart now see a player growing into a Champions League-level creator.
The youngster’s desire to return to England should not be dismissed as a mere preference, footballers rarely express a longing for a league unless they believe it suits their style and ambition. The Premier League’s pace suits his tight control and quick decision-making. Newcastle’s system, built on vertical transitions and intelligent movement, would give him space to flourish.
The only threat to Newcastle’s pursuit is timing. With competition forming, particularly from other English clubs, the Magpies must decide whether to move early or risk a bidding war in 2026. For Leicester, El Khannouss represents both a financial opportunity and the lingering frustration of losing a player who may yet become a star. What is clear is that Bilal El Khannouss is moving quickly toward a Premier League return, and Newcastle United may well be the club best poised to bring him back.
