Bilal El Khannouss and Badredine Bouanani arrived in Stuttgart last summer to much fanfare. This summer, their paths may part ways again.
They’ve known each other since childhood, have often played against each other in the youth national teams of Morocco and Algeria, and had hoped to take the next step in their careers in Stuttgart. Together, the North Africans wanted to make a splash with the historic club from the Neckar. A year has now passed since they were signed. Instead of a splash, there have been only fleeting moments. The big breakthrough has yet to materialize for both El Khannouss and—especially—Bouanani.
The Algerian, who moved from OGC Nice to Stuttgart, cost a whopping 20 million. El Khannouss was even more expensive; the Swabians first paid a loan fee of around five million euros and, in early 2026, after exercising the mandatory buyout clause in the contract, invested another 20 million. This summer, the club and the players could part ways again.
The two North Africans are part of a group of players—including Leonidas Stergiou, Lazar Jovanovic, Ameen Al-Dakhil, and Jeremy Arevalo—who are likely to leave VfB if a reasonable offer comes along from a suitable club. So far, there has been tentative interest in all of them, which could materialize for one or the other by the upcoming end of the transfer window early next week.
Top-level soccer has become increasingly rare
As always, price plays a major role here; in El Khannouss’s case, the asking price is likely to exceed the 40-million mark as a starting point for negotiations. The Moroccan national team player and World Cup participant struggled with his form in the second half of the season following a promising first half and his grueling participation in the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. Top-level soccer became an increasingly rare sight.
This downward spiral led head coach Sebastian Hoeneß to justifiably bench him on several occasions. Even in the DFB Cup final in Berlin at the end of May against FC Bayern (0–3). The player—who, thanks to his technical ability, dribbling skills, and passing and playmaking prowess, is among the best on the team—perceived this as an insult. A complicated situation.
The transfer window is closing; the future is up in the air
Newcastle—the very same Newcastle that snatched Nick Woltemade from the Swabians for around 75 million euros just before the transfer window closed a year ago—has now inquired about El Khannouss, and Galatasaray recently expressed interest. The 22-year-old is also being linked to Everton, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace, as well as the financially powerful Saudi Pro League and its clubs. The transfer window is about to close, but his future remains up in the air. In the league opener in Munich, the forward could make the starting lineup in place of the injured Chris Führich and perhaps make peace with his past.
Munich is far less of a realistic option for Bouanani at the moment. The Algerian, who was notably absent from the squad for the cup match against Hansa Rostock (4-0), has also struggled with a lack of consistency in his performances—though this has been the case throughout his time in the VfB jersey. The winger is fast, skillful, and always looking to score, but he repeatedly misses the right moment to make the final pass, find a better-positioned teammate, or take the shot.
Competition is fierce for Bouanani’s spot
With the signing of Leo Sauer, the strong form of Chris Führich and Tiago Tomas, and the fact that Jamie Leweling is the established starter on the right, his chances of getting the playing time he desperately needs are slim. A loan move is on the table. France plays a key role here, as the 21-year-old has made a positive impression with Nice and FC Lorient. Because the club still believes Bouanani can make a breakthrough, a loan is the preferred option.