Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou faces two major obstacles to leaving Al-Hilal, with his lucrative salary and stability at the Saudi club complicating speculation about a possible move to Argentina’s River Plate.
The 35-year-old has been linked with a potential transfer to the South American side, having previously expressed his desire to wear the River Plate shirt. However, there are no indications that a move is imminent, with reports suggesting that neither River Plate nor any European club has opened negotiations to sign him.
According to information reported by the Midfield programme, Bounou is not currently considering ending his association with Al-Hilal, where he remains an established member of the team.
The Moroccan international’s contract runs until 30 June 2028, meaning any club interested in signing him would have to consider his existing commitment to the Saudi side.
His financial terms represent another potential stumbling block. Bounou earns a substantial salary at Al-Hilal, which could make it difficult for interested clubs to match his current package, particularly if they attempt to recruit him during the summer 2027 transfer window.
Although his name continues to feature in transfer speculation, there is no reported agreement or active negotiation that would suggest an immediate departure.
River Plate dream remains uncertain
Bounou has previously spoken about his admiration for River Plate and his desire to play for the Argentine club at some point in his career.
The goalkeeper has made it clear that fulfilling that ambition would depend on the circumstances, particularly given his contractual obligations to Al-Hilal.
His continued performances for the Saudi club and Morocco have also kept him on the radar of teams outside the Saudi Pro League. Each summer transfer window has brought fresh speculation about a possible return to European football since he moved to Saudi Arabia.
However, his current situation suggests that any potential transfer would depend on more than his personal interest in a new challenge. His contract, salary and established position at Al-Hilal remain significant considerations.
Bounou joined Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023 after leaving Spanish club Sevilla. His market value is listed at €3m by Transfermarkt, although that figure does not determine the overall cost of a potential transfer.
Bounou’s journey from Morocco to Saudi Arabia
Bounou began his professional career with Moroccan club Wydad Athletic Club before moving to Spain in 2012, when he joined Atletico Madrid.
He subsequently had spells with Real Zaragoza and Girona before establishing himself at Sevilla, where his performances made him one of the club’s prominent goalkeepers.
During his time with Sevilla, Bounou won the Europa League twice, strengthening his reputation in European football.
His international profile grew further during Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when the national team became the first African side to reach that stage of the tournament.
He moved to Al-Hilal in 2023 and continued to collect honours in Saudi Arabia. His achievements with the Riyadh club include winning the Saudi Pro League once, as well as the King’s Cup and Saudi Super Cup twice each.
Those successes have helped establish Bounou as an important figure at Al-Hilal, making the prospect of leaving the club more complicated.
For now, the goalkeeper remains under contract until 2028, while reports of interest from River Plate have not developed into confirmed negotiations. His desire to play for the Argentine side may remain, but his financial arrangements and position at Al-Hilal could prove decisive in determining whether that ambition becomes reality.
