Champions League: Bilal El Khannouss and Nikolas Nartey Included in Stuttgart’s Squad

VfB Stuttgart unveiled their squad list for the 2026-2027 UEFA Champions League league phase this Wednesday. Moroccan international Bilal El Khannouss and Nikolas Nartey are among the 24 players registered by the German club for its return to Europe’s most prestigious competition.

Stuttgart have officially submitted their squad to UEFA, with 24 players included on List A. Goalkeeper Dennis Seimen, who is currently injured, is eligible through List B.

El Khannouss, the Moroccan to watch

After making his move to Stuttgart permanent following an impressive first season on loan, Bilal El Khannouss is among the attacking players the club will rely on during its European campaign. The 22-year-old Morocco international enjoyed a strong first season with the VfB, making 41 appearances in all competitions and recording nine goals and seven assists.

The start of the new season has been quieter, however. El Khannouss has featured in Stuttgart’s first two competitive matches, against Hansa Rostock in the German Cup and Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. He has played 16 minutes in the league, without scoring or providing an assist.

The attacking midfielder is nevertheless coming off a particularly busy summer with Morocco. He took part in the 2026 World Cup, featuring notably in the round of 16 against Canada and the quarter-final against France.

Read also VfB Stuttgart : Bilal El Khannouss parti pour rester

Nartey, another player with African roots

Nikolas Nartey is also included in Stuttgart’s squad. Born in Denmark and aged 26, the midfielder has Ghanaian roots but now represents Denmark, having made his international debut in March 2026.

Nartey enjoyed a solid 2025-2026 season with Stuttgart despite a campaign affected by injuries. He made 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing four assists, before extending his contract until 2028.

His start to the 2026-2027 season has once again been disrupted by injury. He was unavailable for the trip to Bayern Munich on August 28 after featuring in the German Cup victory over Hansa Rostock.

Stuttgart return to the Champions League

On their return to the Champions League, Stuttgart will have several prestigious fixtures to look forward to. The German side will host Viking, Atlético Madrid, Lille and Club Brugge, before travelling to face Slovan Bratislava, Galatasaray, Inter Milan and PSV Eindhoven.

El Khannouss’ presence provides Stuttgart with an additional attacking asset, while Nartey will hope to regain full fitness quickly and play a role in the club’s European adventure.

Stuttgart’s squad list

Goalkeepers: Fabian Bredlow, Marius Funk.

Defenders: Ameen Al-Dakhil, Ramon Hendriks, Josha Vagnoman, Maximilian Mittelstädt, Luca Jaquez, Lorenz Assignon, Jeff Chabot, Finn Jeltsch.

Midfielders: Angelo Stiller, Chris Führich, Bilal El Khannouss, Atakan Karazor, Grischa Prömel, Nikolas Nartey, Alexander Groiß.

Forwards: Tiago Tomás, Ermedin Demirovic, Dzenan Pejcinovic, Jamie Leweling, Leo Sauer, Deniz Undav, Dominik Nothnagel.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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VfB Stuttgart

Bundesliga Germany