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Morocco international Yassine Bounou has revealed he was close to joining Bayern Munich before delays from the German giants led him to accept an offer from Al Hilal instead.
Speaking in a recent interview on the “EZZEQUIEL” YouTube channel, the goalkeeper explained how Bayern’s hesitation ultimately changed the course of his career.
“I was close to playing for Bayern Munich when I was on my way out of Sevilla,” Bono said. “I really thought it would happen, but they procrastinated a lot, and I had to make a decision.”
His comments pull back the curtain on the transfer saga surrounding his departure from Sevilla FC in August 2023. It wrapped up a stellar four-year run in Spain where he lifted Europa League trophies and cemented his spot as one of the best keepers in the world.
While a move to Germany seemed on the cards, Bounou ultimately signed with Al Hilal for about €20 million, becoming a major part of the Saudi Pro League’s massive talent surge.
Saudi move came with certainty and long-term stability
Bounou mentioned that Al Hilal’s decisiveness played a huge role in his choice, contrasting with Bayern’s lack of urgency during negotiations.
“Then Al Hilal’s offer came. Honestly, I don’t regret it because they take good care of me here,” he said.
Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Bounou has become a cornerstone of Al Hilal’s squad. He’s under contract until at least 2028 and has been important for the club’s domestic and international ambitions, putting in huge performances.
His decision also shows the broader rise of the Saudi Pro League, which has attracted global football stars and invested heavily in infrastructure and competitiveness. Bono himself has recognized that clubs like Al Hilal now possess the quality and experience to compete with elite European teams.
Despite injury setbacks earlier in 2026, Bounou remains one of the most respected goalkeepers in world football and a central figure for both Al Hilal and the Moroccan national team. His performances helped Morocco reach the AFCON final and reinforced his reputation as one of Africa’s top players.
Between his dominance in Saudi Arabia and his major role with the Atlas Lions, it’s clear the choice he was forced into, thanks to Bayern Munich’s hesitation, really paid off. It gave him the stability he was looking for while keeping him right at the top of the game.
