Yassine Bounou to remain at Al Hilal as entourage rejects transfer rumours

Recent reports linking Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou with a summer departure from Al Hilal have been dismissed by a source close to the player, who insists the experienced shot-stopper remains fully committed to the Saudi Pro League club.

Speculation over Bounou’s future has intensified in recent weeks, with claims suggesting the Morocco international could leave Al Hilal during the current transfer window.

However, a source close to the goalkeeper has rejected those reports, telling Africasoccer that there is no truth to suggestions he is preparing to move elsewhere.

According to the source, Bounou remains happy in Riyadh and continues to enjoy the confidence of everyone at the club.

“Bono is very happy at Al Hilal. He enjoys the trust, respect, and esteem of the management, the coaching staff, and the fans, who consider him one of the great goalkeepers to have marked the club’s recent history. There is absolutely no truth to the rumors suggesting he will leave this summer.”

The source also responded to reports claiming Bounou had only been included on Al Hilal’s Asian competition squad list or had been omitted from the Saudi Pro League squad.

Those claims were also firmly denied, with the source stressing that the goalkeeper remains an important part of the club’s long-term plans.

“All this information is false. Yassine Bounou is fully part of Al Hilal’s sporting project and he will indeed be with the team for the new season.”

Bounou is under contract with Al Hilal until June 2028 and is expected to return to Riyadh after his holiday to begin preparations for the upcoming campaign.

The Saudi club is targeting further domestic success while also aiming to challenge for the AFC Champions League title.

The Moroccan goalkeeper has built an impressive career at both club and international level. He began his journey with Wydad Casablanca before moving to Europe, where he joined Atlético de Madrid and later gained experience on loan with Real Zaragoza.

His reputation continued to grow during his spell at Girona before he established himself among La Liga’s top goalkeepers at Sevilla.

During his time with Sevilla, Bounou made more than 140 appearances and helped the Spanish club win the UEFA Europa League in 2020 and again in 2023.

His performances in European competition earned widespread recognition before he completed his move to Al Hilal in the summer of 2023.

Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, he has become a key figure for the club, contributing to its domestic achievements and cementing his place as one of the team’s most influential players.

On the international stage, Bounou has enjoyed a distinguished career with Morocco. Having earned more than 75 caps for the Atlas Lions, he played a pivotal role in the nation’s memorable run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Morocco became the first African country to finish fourth at the tournament.

Across his professional career, the 35-year-old has featured in more than 450 matches and recorded over 180 clean sheets.

His honours include two UEFA Europa League titles, a Saudi Pro League title, the King’s Cup, multiple Super Cups and several individual awards.

Despite persistent transfer speculation, those close to Bounou insist his immediate future remains with Al Hilal, where he is expected to continue playing a central role in the club’s ambitions for the new season.