Galatasaray has moved for Bilal El Khannouss, opening discussions with VfB Stuttgart over the Moroccan playmaker, according to information published on August 19, 2026. The Turkish club has made a formal offer, but the file is already being described as complicated, largely because of the price Stuttgart expects and the number of other clubs watching the situation closely.
Galatasaray have opened talks with Stuttgart over Bilal El Khannouss, but the price tag and rival interest make this deal anything but simple.
El Khannouss is 22 years old and plays as an offensive midfielder, often deployed as a number 10 or creative hub in attack. He joined Stuttgart on July 1, 2026, arriving from Leicester in a deal worth around 15 million euros. His contract runs until June 30, 2030, which gives the German club little reason to rush into a sale. Stuttgart only recently exercised the option to sign him permanently, and there is no indication they are keen to let him go so soon. He has become a key figure for the Atlas Lions, establishing himself as one of the rising stars of the Morocco national team.
Financially, the numbers explain much of the difficulty. His market value is estimated at around 35 million euros, but reports point to a release clause closer to 50 million, with some sources suggesting Stuttgart would want between 50 and 60 million euros before considering an offer. Anything below that range is unlikely to be taken seriously by the Bundesliga club, which holds a strong negotiating position thanks to the length of the contract and the size of the clause.
Galatasaray is not alone in monitoring the player. Several Premier League sides are also following his progress, with Newcastle and Tottenham both mentioned as interested parties. That competition could push the price even higher and make an agreement harder to reach, since Stuttgart can afford to wait for the best offer rather than negotiate under pressure. El Khannouss’s fellow Moroccan international, Ismael Saibari, has similarly emerged as a rising star for the Atlas Lions, reflecting the growing depth of attacking talent Morocco is producing on the international stage.
The player’s own stance adds another layer of uncertainty. According to one source, El Khannouss does not currently want to leave Stuttgart. He is seen as central to the club’s sporting project, and the possibility of playing Champions League football adds weight to that preference. For now, talks remain open but far from concluded, and a move to Istanbul looks anything but guaranteed.
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