Bilal El Khannouss considering Stuttgart exit over lack of game time

Morocco international Bilal El Khannouss is seriously weighing up a move away from Stuttgart this summer after growing increasingly dissatisfied with his role at the Bundesliga club, according to reports in his home country.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who enjoyed an eye-catching World Cup with Morocco, is understood to be unhappy with the amount of playing time he received last season – particularly in the second half of the campaign following his return from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Growing frustration after strong start

Moroccan outlet “Al Botola” reported on Friday that El Khannouss has confided in several people close to him that he is actively considering leaving Stuttgart in the current transfer window.

He is said to feel especially disappointed with his minutes after Afcon 2025, when his presence in the starting XI declined, despite earlier establishing himself as a key figure in the squad.

Although El Khannouss posted impressive numbers in his debut season in Germany – being involved in 16 goals in all competitions through both scoring and assisting – his influence waned as the campaign wore on.

In the second half of the Bundesliga season, he started only eight league matches and managed just three goal contributions. He was also left on the bench at the start of the German Cup final, a decision that is believed to have deepened his frustration.

Stuttgart reluctant to sell key asset

Despite the player’s unease, Stuttgart’s hierarchy are not currently planning to part company with El Khannouss.

The report states that the club has not yet received any formal request from the midfielder to leave, nor any official offers from other teams. After converting his loan from Leicester City into a permanent transfer only a year ago for a fee in the region of €20m, Stuttgart are said to be strongly opposed to an early sale.

Any change of stance would require a very substantial bid. According to the same report, Stuttgart will only consider opening talks if they receive an offer exceeding €60m.

World Cup performances boost valuation

The club’s valuation reflects El Khannouss’s growing profile on the international stage. His market value rose sharply after the 2022 World Cup, where he started six matches for Morocco and was part of the side that captured global attention with their run deep into the tournament.

Those performances, coupled with his initial impact in the Bundesliga, have made him one of the most highly regarded young midfielders in African football and a potentially valuable asset for Stuttgart.

Uncertain future ahead of new season

El Khannouss now faces a pivotal summer. Remaining at Stuttgart could allow him to build on his debut season and re-establish himself as a guaranteed starter, but continued limited minutes might hinder his progress for both club and country.

Interest from other European clubs is likely to grow if it becomes clear that he is open to a move, yet the reported €60m-plus price tag may prove a significant barrier in negotiations.

For now, Stuttgart insist he is not for sale, and the player has made no public statement on his future. But with pre-season under way and the transfer window open, the situation around Bilal El Khannouss is set to be one of the key storylines to watch in the coming weeks.