Newcastle United appear to be preparing for what could be a very busy 2026, and talks around future signings are already becoming louder. The club is expected to strengthen in several areas, and the January window may only be the beginning.
A central midfielder remains the biggest priority, with names like Kees Smit and Kevin Danois circulating as possible additions. However, a familiar name has now resurfaced on Eddie Howe’s list, someone Newcastle seriously considered bringing in during the summer but missed out on at the time.
That player is Bilal El Khannouss, an emerging attacking midfielder who has quickly become one of the most creative young talents in Europe. Newcastle first looked at him back in August, drawn to the potential he showed at Leicester City despite the club’s relegation.
His intelligence on the ball, vision in tight spaces and ability to dictate attacking moments made him a standout option for the future. But just as Newcastle’s interest began to grow, the club chose a different path and brought in Jacob Ramsey instead.
Once Ramsey arrived at St James’ Park, any talk of El Khannouss moving to the Premier League faded, and the young Moroccan later sealed a loan switch to Stuttgart.
That move has proven to be an incredible platform for him. Since landing in the Bundesliga, El Khannouss has taken his game to a new level, producing the kind of performances that immediately catch the eye of top clubs. According to Sky Sport reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Newcastle remain very fond of him and have continued tracking his progress closely.
Even more interesting is the suggestion that El Khannouss likes what he sees in the Newcastle project too. The only complication is his preference for living in London, which opens the door for Crystal Palace, who are also said to be following him closely.
Sky report that Stuttgart will keep him until the end of the season, and any summer deal is expected to cost more than £22 million. Considering how he has performed so far, that figure may even rise.
Stuttgart will be delighted he is staying with them for now, as he has been one of their most influential players this season. With five goals and four assists already, he has filled the creative gap left by Nick Woltemade, who joined Newcastle in a record £69 million transfer.
El Khannouss has not just been productive he has been one of the most dangerous attacking midfielders anywhere in Europe. His numbers highlight just how explosive he has become. Averaging 2.4 key passes each game, he ranks 15th among all players across Europe’s elite leagues.
To put that into perspective, Kieran Trippier Newcastle’s best provider this season sits at 1.6 key passes per match. That difference shows the level El Khannouss is operating at, and why clubs are beginning to fight for his signature.
From Newcastle’s perspective, the growing admiration makes sense. Eddie Howe wants more creativity, more risk-taking, and more spark in the final third. El Khannouss offers all of that, plus room for further development.
At just 21, he has the composure of a player far older and the athletic ability to thrive in a demanding league like the Premier League.
It feels inevitable that Newcastle will revisit this opportunity once the summer window opens. The club has the backing to spend, with sporting director Ross Wilson publicly confirming that budget will not be a barrier if the right player becomes available.
He made it clear that Newcastle can act in January or beyond whenever necessary, and El Khannouss fits the profile of someone they might be willing to invest heavily in.
The midfielder’s rise in Germany shows exactly why Newcastle were interested in the first place and why they may return for him again.
If he continues at this pace, he will not just be one of the most creative players in Europe he will become one of the most sought-after talents in world football.
