Morocco World Cup hero Bounou joins Al-Hilal from Sevilla

Morocco World Cup hero Bounou joins Al-Hilal from Sevilla
Morocco's Yassine Bounou, who was one of the heroes who reached last year's World Cup semi-final in Qatar, has signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
2 min read
18 August, 2023
Bouno is considered to be one of the top goalkeepers in the world [Getty]

 Al-Hilal have signed Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou from Spanish side Sevilla on a three-year contract, the Saudi Pro League club said on Thursday.

"The Atlantic lion is our goalie," Al-Hilal posted on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed but Spanish media reported Sevilla will receive 21 million euros ($22.8 million).

Al-Hilal said the deal was sponsored by its honorary President HRH Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal.

Bounou, 32, was Sevilla's first-choice goalkeeper, helping the Spanish team to win two Europa League titles and Morocco to reach last year's World Cup semi-finals in Qatar.

Bounou, commonly known as Bono, was reportedly a target for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as a temporary stand-in for the injured Thibaut Courtois and Manuel Neuer.

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The most successful club in Saudi Arabia and Asia, Al-Hilal have won 66 trophies including 18 domestic league titles and four Asian Champions League crowns.

Al-Hilal this week signed Brazilian striker Neymar from Paris St Germain.

The club reappointed Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus on a one-year deal and signed former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Ruben Neves, Serbia's Sergei Milinkovic-Savic, Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly and Brazilian striker Malcom.

Al-Hilal host Al-Feiha in the next round of the Saudi Pro League on Saturday.

Also on Thursday, Al-Hilal's Pro League rivals Al-Shabab signed  striker Habib Diallo from Strasbourg 20 million euros ($22 million), according to French media. The Senegalese forward scored 20 goals in Ligue 1 last season, outfiring the likes of Lionel Messi.  

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(Reuters)