Newcastle Positions Itself for Bilal El Khannouss, But Stuttgart Demands €60 Million

Newcastle United have begun weighing up a move for Bilal El Khannouss, the Moroccan-Belgian playmaker who has emerged as one of Stuttgart‘s most valuable assets since arriving from Leicester City. El Khannouss made the switch permanent in 2026 after a productive loan spell in which he made more than 40 appearances across all competitions, convincing Stuttgart to complete a deal worth around €15m at the time. That fee now looks modest given how his value has grown, with market estimates placing him at roughly €35–36m by mid-2026.

Bilal El Khannouss’s €15m Stuttgart switch now looks like a bargain, with his value climbing to around €35–36m.

Newcastle are not alone in their interest. Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace have also been named as Premier League clubs monitoring the midfielder, continuing a pattern of English interest that dates back to 2025, when Newcastle first looked into a lower release clause tied to an earlier contract. That interest has resurfaced in a more serious form this year, though nothing has progressed beyond enquiries and internal discussions so far.

Stuttgart, aware of the growing attention from England, appear determined to use it to their advantage. Reports differ slightly on the exact figure the Bundesliga club wants, but the overall picture is consistent: they are not willing to sell cheaply. Some sources point to an asking range of €40–50m, while others suggest Stuttgart could hold out for as much as €60m plus bonuses, a figure some describe as a deliberate deterrent aimed at Premier League suitors. A separate valuation puts his price closer to €65m, reinforcing the idea that Stuttgart see him as a player worth building a long-term project around rather than cashing in on early.

Adding to Newcastle’s challenge is the structure of El Khannouss’s contract, which runs until either 2029 or 2030 depending on the source. A release clause estimated between €50m and €60m gives Stuttgart significant control over any future negotiation, effectively setting a floor for discussions. El Khannouss has already established himself as a key figure for the Atlas Lions, having represented Morocco at major tournaments and become an increasingly important creative presence in the national team’s midfield. Interestingly, this pursuit of a Moroccan playmaker mirrors the broader rise of Moroccan talent in European football, with fellow countryman Bilal Nadir also emerging as a promising midfield force for the Atlas Lions.

For now, Newcastle’s interest remains at the exploratory stage. No formal bid has been submitted, and Stuttgart’s stance suggests any deal would require a substantial financial commitment, likely testing how far Newcastle are willing to go for a player they clearly view as a long-term upgrade in midfield creativity.