Crystal Palace, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing 22-year-old Moroccan international Bilal El Khannouss from Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart next year.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Bilal El Khannouss rejected the chance to join Al-Ittihad in the summer transfer window, and a Premier League return may be on the cards next year. Meanwhile, VfB Stuttgart will demand around €50-60 million to part ways with the 22-year-old playmaker.
Bilal El Khannouss and his time in Germany so far
Bilal El Khannouss has been impressive since joining VfB Stuttgart from Leicester City last year. After the Foxes’ relegation from the Premier League, the 22-year-old pushed to leave and secured a season-long loan move to the Bundesliga club. He enjoyed a productive campaign with Die Schwaben before they signed him permanently for €15 million this past summer.
The Moroccan international, who represented Belgium in age-group football before picking the Atlas Lions as his national side, has scored ten goals and provided seven assists in 46 outings for VfB Stuttgart thus far, including one strike this term. However, despite completing a permanent move to MHPArena, his long-term future remains uncertain, and a Premier League return may be on the cards next year.
A man in demand
Crystal Palace face a creativity shortage. With Ismaila Sarr unsettled and other attacking players underperforming, Pierre Sage’s team needs a playmaker capable of making an impact in the final third. With El Khannouss showing his capability with 17 goal contributions for Stuttgart, he has presented himself as a viable target.
Meanwhile, Everton’s interest in Bilal El Khannouss is understandable. The Toffees seek attacking support despite re-signing Jack Grealish on loan. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall carries the creative burden for Everton, and El Khannouss could ease that load.
As for Tottenham, the Lilywhites hold a long-standing interest in the Belgian-born player. With James Maddison’s fitness a recurring concern, Roberto De Zerbi’s team has a creativity void El Khannouss could fill.
Per Fichajes, the Stuttgart playmaker is also a target for Newcastle United after they pursued his signature late in the summer transfer window. A return to the Premier League is contingent on his suitors meeting the Bundesliga club’s €50-60 million valuation, with the report claiming the Premier League clubs are “preparing a new offensive” to secure his services.
