PSG, Real Madrid Pursued Moroccan Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou Before Al-Hilal Move

Yassine Bounou acknowledges that "contacts" were made with these three clubs during the transfer market. "What I can say is that I was one of the options for these clubs. But in football, everything doesn’t just depend on oneself. There are many factors to take into account," he told Foot Mercato.

And he continued: "I’m lucky today to be in a club like Al-Hilal, where I’m happy and for which, above all, I was the main option. I feel the responsibility to give them the maximum." The Moroccan goalkeeper joined this Saudi club in mid-2023 after winning the Europa League with Sevilla.

With only six goals conceded in nine games, Bounou is the best goalkeeper in the Saudi Pro League, tied with Marcelo Grohe of Al Ittihad. His club, Al Hilal, is currently leading the championship, with five wins in five league games. The Atlas Lion is the favorite to win the African Ballon d’Or as well as the Yashin Trophy and FIFA The Best.

"Yes, I’ve always dreamed of winning these awards. My goal is to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. I think I’ve been maintaining this level for more than two years. Between the World Cup with Morocco and the Europa League with Sevilla, I think it was an XXL season," he added. With Sevilla, Bounou has won two Europa Leagues and a Zamora Trophy.