Galatasaray’s January transfer plans took a turn after the club beat Stuttgart 2-0 at RAMS Park in the fourth week of the UEFA Champions League, a result that lifted the Turkish side to six points and drew fresh attention to Bilal El Khannouss, the Stuttgart midfielder who says he would play only for Galatasaray in Turkey.
Both goals came from summer signing Aleksey Batrakov, who scored in the 12th minute and again three minutes later on a through ball from Davinson Sanchez, sealing a win that ended Stuttgart’s unbeaten run in the competition.
The result matters beyond the standings. In the hours around the match, Galatasaray development director Fatih Demireli confirmed to German magazine Kicker that the club held talks with two Stuttgart players — El Khannouss and striker Ermedin Demirovic — during the summer transfer window, but ultimately chose Batrakov instead. El Khannouss, when asked after the game whether Galatasaray had offered him a deal, said only God knew, adding that should he ever come to Turkey, it would be solely to play for Galatasaray.
Batrakov’s brace sinks unbeaten Stuttgart at RAMS Park
Galatasaray hosted the Bundesliga side on Nov. 3 at RAMS Park in Istanbul, with the match kicking off at 8:45 p.m. local time. Stuttgart came into the game unbeaten and had been the more dangerous side early, using crosses from the left wing to find their opposite winger in the penalty area. Galatasaray, pressing high and looking for transitions, found the breakthrough in the 12th minute when Batrakov put them ahead. Three minutes later, Sanchez played a deep pass from defense and Batrakov finished again to make it 2-0, according to A Spor.
The win moved Galatasaray to six points from four Champions League matches. The club had collected just one win from its first three games, with two defeats, before hosting Stuttgart.
Demireli confirms summer talks with El Khannouss and Demirovic
Speaking to Kicker ahead of the match, Demireli said Galatasaray held “good discussions” with El Khannouss, Stuttgart and the player’s representatives during the summer transfer period, but that decisions had to be made at some point. The club ultimately signed Batrakov and, Demireli said, is very pleased with his development, calling the midfielder’s potential “huge.”
Demireli also confirmed interest in Demirovic, saying various options arose during the transfer window and the club consciously chose other solutions. He noted that Turkish squad registration rules had to be taken into account and that the club ultimately made decisions it was convinced by, as reported by Milliyet and Sözcü.
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The parallel is striking: the player Galatasaray passed on in the summer, El Khannouss, was on the pitch for Stuttgart on Tuesday night — and afterward made clear where his loyalties would lie if a move to Turkey ever happened.
El Khannouss: only Galatasaray in Turkey
In a post-match interview with HT Spor, the 22-year-old Moroccan international addressed whether Galatasaray had made him an offer. “God knows,” he said. Asked whether reporters would see him in Turkey, he replied: “I hope you see me in Turkey. But I have to say this: I would only play for Galatasaray.”
El Khannouss has played 14 matches across all competitions this season and scored two goals, according to Haberler.
What the win changes for Galatasaray’s group
Six points from four matches keeps Galatasaray within reach of the knockout places with the bulk of the group stage still to play. The victory also validates the club’s summer recruitment: Demireli said Galatasaray is “very happy” with Batrakov, who has now scored twice in a single Champions League match.
Demireli also praised veterans Leroy Sané and İlkay Gündoğan, saying that players of their stature naturally attract more attention and higher expectations, but that both work with great professionalism in training every day, according to Milliyet.
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January window looms as El Khannouss link resurfaces
With the January transfer window approaching, the combination of Demireli’s confirmation that Galatasaray held talks with El Khannouss and the player’s own statement that Galatasaray is the only Turkish club he would join has revived speculation about a mid-season move. No offer from Galatasaray has been confirmed by either club, and El Khannouss himself said he could not confirm whether one had been made.
For now, the confirmed facts are the 2-0 win, Batrakov’s brace, Galatasaray’s six points — and a Stuttgart playmaker who says Istanbul’s red-and-yellow side is the only destination in Turkey that interests him.
Frequently asked questions
Did Galatasaray make an official offer to Bilal El Khannouss? Not confirmed. Development director Fatih Demireli said the club held talks with El Khannouss, Stuttgart and his agents in the summer, but the player himself said only God knows whether a formal offer was made.
Who scored for Galatasaray against Stuttgart? Aleksey Batrakov scored both goals, in the 12th minute and three minutes later on an assist from Davinson Sanchez.
How many points does Galatasaray have in the Champions League? Six points from four matches, after one win and two losses in the first three weeks and the 2-0 win over Stuttgart.
Which other Stuttgart player did Galatasaray discuss signing? Striker Ermedin Demirovic. Demireli confirmed the club was interested but consciously chose other options, citing Turkish squad rules among the factors.
What did El Khannouss say about playing in Turkey? In an HT Spor interview, he said he hopes to be seen in Turkey but would only play for Galatasaray.
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