Bounou pushes for Al Hilal exit amid uncertainty over reported Al Nassr interest

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has asked to leave Al Hilal this summer after the Saudi Pro League club explored plans to restrict him largely to Asian competition duty.

The 33-year-old, who joined Al Hilal in the summer of 2023 and quickly established himself as one of the standout Arab goalkeepers of his generation, is at the centre of growing speculation over his future, including reports linking him with a move to Al Nassr.

Al Hilal are considering using Bounou primarily in the AFC Champions League Elite while freeing up his spot in the domestic registration list to bring in a new foreign outfield player for the attacking third.

That strategy would see the Morocco international effectively demoted to a secondary role in league play, a scenario he is unwilling to accept.

Bounou unwilling to be “number two”

According to the current plan under discussion at Al Hilal, Bounou would remain a key figure for the club only in continental competition, with another goalkeeper expected to feature more regularly in the Saudi Pro League.

The proposal has prompted a firm response from the former Sevilla goalkeeper, who has made it clear he does not intend to stay if he is no longer the undisputed first choice across all major competitions.

Bounou “does not accept the role of the second man”, and his stance has led him to formally request a move away during the ongoing summer transfer window.

Al Hilal, known as the “Leader of Asia”, had moved decisively to sign Bounou last year, and he played a central role in their domestic and continental campaigns, enhancing his reputation after already making history with Morocco at the 2022 World Cup.

Club weighing squad balance and foreign quota

The current uncertainty is rooted in Al Hilal’s desire to fine-tune their squad composition under foreign player limits in domestic competitions.

By opening up Bounou’s slot on the local registration list, the Riyadh club hope to sign another high-profile foreign attacker to reinforce the front line, without breaching rules on the number of overseas players allowed.

Under this scenario, Bounou would remain contracted to Al Hilal and be deployed in the AFC Champions League Elite, where different squad rules apply and his experience is seen as a major asset.

However, that compromise has not satisfied the goalkeeper, who views a reduced role as incompatible with his status and ambitions at club level.

Future remains unresolved

Al Hilal’s deliberations and Bounou’s request to leave have fuelled speculation across Saudi and regional media, with Al Nassr among the clubs mentioned in reports as a possible destination.

At this stage, the situation remains clouded in uncertainty, with no agreement yet on whether the club will grant his exit request or attempt to persuade him to stay under revised terms.

What is clear is that the plan to reassign his role within the squad has created a rift between player and club, leaving the future of one of Arab football’s most prominent goalkeepers wide open as the summer window continues.