Bilal El Khannouss Secures Permanent Move to VfB Stuttgart
In an exciting development for both the player and the club, 22-year-old attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss has officially signed a long-term contract with VfB Stuttgart after successfully converting his loan into a permanent transfer. This transition comes in light of his impressive inaugural season with the Cannstatt club, where he made a notable 41 appearances across all competitions, netting nine goals and providing seven assists. His remarkable performances have not only solidified his position within the team but have also earned him a place in the Morocco national squad for the upcoming World Cup 2026, set to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. Morocco will kick off their group stage on June 14 against Brazil, presenting El Khannouss with a significant opportunity to showcase his skills on a global stage.
El Khannouss: A Rising Star with a Bright Future
Fabian Wohlgemuth, a board member for sport at VfB, expressed his enthusiasm for El Khannouss, stating, "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." Born on May 10, 2004, in Strombeek-Bever, Belgium, El Khannouss began his football journey with RSC Anderlecht before progressing through their youth system. At 15, he joined KRC Genk's academy, where he made his first-team debut at just 18 years old. Over his time with Genk, he made 60 league appearances, scoring four goals and assisting another 14. Following a move to English side Leicester City, he played 32 matches in the Premier League, adding two goals and three assists to his tally.
El Khannouss has also made a mark on the international stage, having represented both Morocco and Belgium at youth levels before committing to Morocco's senior team, where he has earned 35 caps, scoring three goals and providing two assists. His accolades include winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2026 and contributing to Morocco's U23 triumph in the tournament in 2023. Additionally, he secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, further establishing his reputation as a talented and promising player in the world of football.
As reported by vfb.de.
