River Plate reach reported agreement to sign Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou

River Plate have reportedly made progress in their pursuit of Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, with the Argentine giants said to have reached a “principle agreement” over a potential January 2027 move.

Argentine journalist Hernán Castillo reported that Bounou has emerged as River’s preferred goalkeeping target after the club considered several options, including Agustín Rossi and Juan Musso.

However, the reported agreement does not mean the transfer is complete, with Bounou still contracted to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal until 2028.

Al Hilal hold key to potential transfer

River Plate face a significant obstacle in their attempt to bring the Moroccan to Argentina, as Al Hilal would have to agree to his departure.

The Saudi club extended Bounou’s contract in October 2025, keeping him tied to the club until June 2028.

Argentine outlet TN reported that River have already made contact to explore the possibility of negotiating the goalkeeper’s departure. The report also claimed Bounou is interested in joining the club, although Al Hilal are currently reluctant to sell.

Olé has taken a more cautious position, confirming Bounou is among River’s targets without reporting major progress in negotiations.

River’s reported interest in a goalkeeper is also understood to be independent of the future of Santiago Beltrán, with journalist Germán Balcarce reporting that the club intends to recruit a goalkeeper regardless of whether Beltrán stays or leaves.

Bounou has a strong connection with River

A potential move to River would have a personal appeal for Bounou, who has previously shown his admiration for the Argentine club.

The Morocco international attended the 2018 Copa Libertadores final between River Plate and Boca Juniors in Madrid.

He also travelled to Japan to watch River play Barcelona in the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup final.

Bounou has previously spoken about his relationship with former River star Ariel Ortega, revealing that Ortega once asked him when he would join the Argentine side.

That longstanding connection could make a move to River attractive to the goalkeeper, although his contract with Al Hilal means the Saudi club’s position remains crucial.

Bounou’s record at Al Hilal

Bounou joined Al Hilal in August 2023 after leaving Spanish club Sevilla and has established himself as an important figure for the Saudi side.

According to the figures cited in the report, the 35-year-old has made 135 appearances for Al Hilal in all competitions, conceding 120 goals and keeping 55 clean sheets.

He has also collected five trophies during his time in Saudi Arabia, including a Saudi Pro League title, two King’s Cup trophies and two Saudi Super Cup successes.

Bounou was named the Saudi Pro League’s best goalkeeper for the 2023-24 season and helped Al Hilal reach the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

January move remains uncertain

Despite the reported “principle agreement”, there is still a significant distance between River Plate’s interest and a completed transfer.

Bounou’s contract runs until 2028, giving Al Hilal a strong position in any negotiations.

For River, the next step will be to convince the Saudi club to allow the Morocco international to leave in January, while Bounou’s reported desire to play for the Argentine giants could add another dimension to the negotiations.

Meanwhile, the goalkeeper remains an Al Hilal player, with River’s pursuit set to be one of the stories to follow when the January transfer window opens.