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Casablanca – Uncertainty is growing over Yassine Bounou’s future at Al Hilal after reports in Saudi Arabia claimed the club is considering removing the Moroccan goalkeeper from its domestic squad as it continues reshaping its roster ahead of the new season.
According to Saudi outlet Kooora, Al Hilal’s management is studying the possibility of excluding Bounou from the Saudi Pro League squad while keeping him registered only for the AFC Champions League Elite.
The reported plan comes as Al Hilal closes in on the signing of Dutch winger Cysencio Summerville from West Ham United.
Saudi journalist Abdulaziz Al-Muraisel, who is considered close to the club, claimed the move would free up a foreign-player slot in the domestic squad, with Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais expected to assume league duties.
Al-Muraisel further claimed that if Bounou rejects the proposal to feature exclusively in continental competition, Al Hilal could seek to part ways with the goalkeeper during the current transfer window.
Kooora compared the situation to that of Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez, whose name was reportedly removed from Al Hilal’s domestic squad last season while remaining eligible for AFC Champions League matches.
The reports emerged just weeks after Bounou once again enhanced his reputation on the international stage during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Morocco international played a key role in the Atlas Lions’ run to the quarterfinals, producing several decisive saves, including penalty stops against the Netherlands in the Round of 32 and a save from Kylian Mbappé’s penalty in Morocco’s defeat to France.
His performances have also attracted reported interest from Turkish giants Fenerbahçe. According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, relayed by Foot Mercato, the Istanbul club views Bounou as a priority target should Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson leave this summer.
Despite the growing speculation, Bounou remains under contract with Al Hilal until 2028, and neither the club nor the Moroccan goalkeeper has publicly commented on the reports surrounding his future.
