German side VfB Stuttgart have completed the permanent signing of Moroccan international Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City following an impressive loan spell in the Bundesliga.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder spent last season on loan at Stuttgart and did enough to convince the club to secure his services on a long-term basis after making 41 appearances across all competitions.

El Khannouss emerged as one of Stuttgart’s standout performers during a successful campaign that saw the club finish fourth in the Bundesliga and secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League. The Moroccan playmaker contributed nine goals and seven assists, underlining his growing influence both at club and international level.

His permanent departure comes as little surprise given Leicester’s dramatic decline. After suffering a second consecutive relegation, the former Premier League champions are now preparing for life in League One, making a return to the King Power Stadium increasingly unlikely for one of their most valuable assets.

El Khannouss joined Leicester from KRC Genk in 2024 and featured prominently during the club’s difficult Premier League campaign before earning a move to Germany following their relegation to the Championship.

Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth praised the midfielder’s development and believes there is even more to come from the young star.

“Bilal excelled across all competitions in a VfB shirt and has established himself at a young age as one of the key players for the Moroccan national team,” Wohlgemuth said.

“He already possesses exceptional footballing qualities, but we also see significant room for further development. We are convinced he has not yet reached his full potential.”

The move represents another important step in El Khannouss’ rapidly rising career as he prepares to join Morocco’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.

For Leicester, meanwhile, the transfer marks another chapter in a difficult rebuilding process. The club has already confirmed the departure of several senior players following relegation, including Ricardo Pereira, Jordan Ayew and Patson Daka, while a number of loan players have also returned to their parent clubs.

As Leicester attempt to regroup after a turbulent period, Stuttgart have secured one of African football’s brightest young talents, with El Khannouss now set to continue his development on the Champions League stage.