Yassine Bounou future in doubt at Al Hilal amid reports linking goalkeeper with Al Nassr move

Uncertainty is growing around the future of Yassine Bounou at Al Hilal after reports in Saudi Arabia suggested the Morocco goalkeeper could leave the club during the current summer transfer window and potentially join rivals Al Nassr.

Bounou, who arrived at Al Hilal in the summer of 2023, has been one of the standout Arab goalkeepers of his generation and quickly established himself as a key figure for the Riyadh side, known as the “Leader of Asia”. However, the club’s recent thinking over his role has sparked speculation that his time with the Saudi Pro League champions could be cut short.

According to local reports, Al Hilal are considering freeing up Bounou’s slot on their domestic squad list to register an additional foreign player in attacking areas. Under this plan, the 33-year-old would be used primarily in continental competition, featuring only in the elite Asian tournaments rather than as the first-choice goalkeeper across all fronts.

That proposal has not been well received by Bounou. The Morocco international, who played a pivotal role in his country’s historic run at the 2022 World Cup and previously starred for Sevilla, is understood to have made it clear he is unwilling to accept a reduced, back-up role at club level. His stance has led him to request a move away from Al Hilal rather than remain as a secondary option.

The situation has opened the door to rumours linking Bounou with a surprise switch to Al Nassr, another of Saudi Arabia’s leading clubs. Reports connecting him with a move to Cristiano Ronaldo’s side have circulated in recent days, fuelling debate among fans about the goalkeeper’s next destination and whether Al Hilal would be prepared to strengthen a direct domestic rival.

At this stage, however, the core issue remains Al Hilal’s squad management and their desire to optimise the allocation of foreign player spots, particularly in advanced positions. The club’s technical staff and board are weighing up how best to balance their resources between domestic and continental campaigns, and Bounou’s status has become a central part of that discussion.

Bounou’s potential departure would mark a sharp turn from the expectations that accompanied his arrival last year, when he was seen as a long-term solution in goal for the “Leader of Asia”. His performances since joining have enhanced his reputation, but the strategic shift in how Al Hilal want to use their foreign contingent has created a new reality for both player and club.

With the summer window still open and no agreement yet announced, Bounou’s future remains unresolved. What is clear is that the Moroccan goalkeeper does not intend to settle for a diminished role, leaving Al Hilal facing a decision that could reshape both their goalkeeping department and their wider squad planning for the coming season.