Newcastle United are now considering a move for Stuttgart playmaker Bilal El Khannouss, according to Foot Mercato.
The Magpies are looking for attacking reinforcements, and El Khannouss has emerged as one of the options on their shortlist.
Newcastle scouted him at the beginning of the transfer window and could be ready to pull the trigger.
They have been trying to sign Matias Fernandez-Pardo but aren’t ready to commit the €70 million Lille want.
They are considering to pivot towards the Moroccan international.
El Khannouss bagged four goals and five assists in 25 Bundesliga appearances last season. He also played an average of 1.8 key passes per game.
He scored another five goals in the Europa League.
The 22-year-old has Premier League experience, having played for Leicester City during the 2024/25 season.
He scored two goals and created eight big chances in 32 outings.
El Khannouss would be a great signing for Newcastle
The Newcastle target is a fantastic player who can pry opposition defences open with creativity. He is also versatile enough to star across the frontline.
He is a ‘talented playmaker’, and his coach Sebastian Hoeness believes ‘he is a man for special moments’.
Regardless of what happens with Fernandez-Pardo, Newcastle need to be looking at El Khannouss.
The Magpies need more creativity and unpredictability in the final third, and the Moroccan has the technical quality to provide exactly that.
His ability to operate between the lines, carry the ball and create chances would add another dimension going forward.
There is also plenty of room for him to develop and become an even more influential player.
Fernandez-Pardo is the preferred target, but Newcastle should not overlook El Khannouss. He looks like the signing they genuinely need.
