Tottenham's £25.7m bid aims to plug creative void with El Khannouss

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a £25.7m bid for 22‑year‑old Moroccan attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss to plug a creative gap after injuries have limited James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. The North London side need a versatile No.10 who can also operate on either flank, and the reported bid reflects that urgency.

James Maddison’s ACL setback and Dejan Kulusevski’s right‑patella injury have left the club short of creativity in the final third, prompting calls for a new striker and an additional left‑wing option. Supporters have repeatedly highlighted the injury‑hit No.10 position as a priority.

Since confirming a £100m signing of Sandro Tonali a month ago, Tottenham’s transfer activity has focused on offloading players to reshape Roberto De Zerbi’s squad. The club finished back‑to‑back 17th‑place seasons and now aims to challenge for a top‑four finish, making fresh options essential.

Bilal El Khannouss spent the previous season on loan at VfB Stuttgart from Leicester City before signing a long‑term deal to June 2029. He recorded nine goals in 41 appearances for the Bundesliga side, and his debut season was described as strong, offering the ability to play centrally or on the wings.

Spurs are one of three Premier League clubs, alongside Newcastle United and Crystal Palace, tracking the Stuttgart ace. Reuters reports Tottenham are ready to submit a €30m (£25.7m) offer plus add‑ons, while Stuttgart’s leadership values the player at €40‑50m (£34.3m‑£42.9m).

Initial contact has been made with El Khannouss’s agent and Stuttgart officials to outline the structure of a potential transfer. Loans or purchase options below the asking price are not being considered; a direct payment or binding purchase obligation is expected to be deliberated.

The deal’s progress hinges on whether Stuttgart will accept Tottenham’s proposal or hold out for a higher fee, leaving the final outcome uncertain.

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