Newcastle are now looking at signing one of the most creative players in Europe

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United could be tempted to revisit a former transfer target in 2026.

It already looks set to be a big year for transfers on Tyneside, with Newcastle United interested in a centre-midfielder and a full-back in January.

A midfielder appears to be at the top of the Magpies’ wanted list, with Kees Smit and Kevin Danois rumoured targets.

Now another midfielder is on Eddie Howe’s radar, and it is a player who Newcastle United considered signing during the summer.

Newcastle United reignite interest in Bilal El Khannouss

Back in August, Newcastle United were linked with Bilal El Khannouss. The attacking midfielder was an appealing option for the Magpies, having shown real promise for Leicester City despite their relegation from the Premier League.

Newcastle fans liked the idea of signing El Khannouss, but that dream did not come true.

Days after interest in the 21-year-old emerged, Jacob Ramsey arrived at Newcastle United instead. That put an end to talk of El Khannouss arriving at St James’ Park, with the youngster joining Stuttgart on loan instead.

He has been playing brilliantly in the Bundesliga, and that is something that is not lost on Eddie Howe’s side.

According to Sky Sport journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Newcastle United ‘love’ El Khannouss and are continuing to keep tabs on his progress at Stuttgart.

The report adds that El Khannouss is interested in the Newcastle United project, while he also has admirers at Crystal Palace. That could represent a problem for the Magpies, as the Moroccan would like to live in London.

Sky add that he will be staying at Stuttgart until the end of the season, but a summer transfer worth in excess of £22million could be on the cards.

Bilal El Khannouss is shining after missing out on Newcastle United transfer

Stuttgart will be delighted that El Khannouss is going nowhere for now.

He has been seriously impressive in Germany, scoring five goals and providing four assists since his arrival. He is certainly filling the attacking void left by Nick Woltemade, who left Stuttgart to become Newcastle’s most expensive signing at £69million.

As an attacking midfielder, El Khannouss is proving to be one of the most dangerous players in Europe.

He is averaging 2.4 key passes per game, which is the 15th highest across Europe’s top leagues. As a comparison, Kieran Trippier has the highest number of key passes per game at Newcastle with 1.6.