River Plate target signing Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou after 2026 World Cup

River Plate are reportedly keeping close tabs on Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou as incoming head coach Eduardo Coudet begins plans to reshape the squad after a difficult spell that ultimately led to the departure of Marcelo Gallardo.

Reports from several Argentine media outlets indicate that Coudet has identified Bounou as his top goalkeeping target ahead of the mid-year transfer window.

The current Al‑Hilal shot-stopper is viewed as a potential long-term replacement for veteran goalkeeper Franco Armani, whose future at River remains uncertain. Armani, now 39, is presently sidelined through injury, forcing youngster Santiago Beltrán to step in between the posts. Club officials are expected to hold discussions with the experienced keeper later in the year.

Argentine journalist Hernán Castillo has suggested the club intends to explore the possibility of signing the Moroccan international after the World Cup. Speaking on Love Stream, he revealed that River plan to contact Bounou to assess his interest in a potential move, although he admitted that securing the transfer would be far from straightforward.

The financial implications present a significant hurdle. Bounou joined Al-Hilal from Sevilla FC in August 2023 for a reported €21 million and currently earns around €10.2 million annually in Saudi Arabia — a salary far beyond the usual wage structure in Argentine football.

Complicating matters further, the 34-year-old recently extended his contract with the Saudi club until 2028, meaning River would also have to negotiate a substantial transfer fee to complete any deal.

Despite the financial barriers, Bounou’s admiration for the Buenos Aires giants is well documented. In a 2023 interview with Infobae, the Moroccan international openly expressed his desire to represent River Plate one day.

He spoke fondly about the club’s atmosphere and passionate supporters, revealing that the first football jersey he ever owned was an Argentine national team shirt gifted by his father — a moment that sparked his support for River.

The connection runs deeper than nostalgia. Bounou named his dog Ariel after his childhood idol, club legend Ariel Ortega. He was also present at the historic 2018 Copa Libertadores Final in Madrid and travelled to Japan in 2015 to watch River face FC Barcelona in the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup final.

Earlier this year, in an interview with Argentine YouTuber Ezequiel, Bounou once again spoke about his ambitions. Among his goals were winning a title with Morocco, continuing his strong performances at Al-Hilal, and eventually playing in Argentine football.

His current form underlines why River are interested. Across 36 appearances this season for club and country, Bounou has conceded only 24 goals — fewer than one per match.

While any move is unlikely before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, River Plate appear determined to test the waters once the tournament concludes.