Rabat – Argentine giants River Plate have reportedly made progress in their efforts to sign Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou from Saudi club Al Hilal during the January 2027 transfer window.
According to Argentine journalist Hernán Castillo, Bounou has become River Plate’s main goalkeeping target for January, with the two sides reportedly reaching what he described as a “principle agreement.”
However, the potential transfer remains far from complete, considering that Bounou is under contract with Al Hilal until 2028.
Castillo reported that River Plate have chosen the 35-year-old Moroccan as their preferred option after considering several goalkeepers, including Agustín Rossi and Juan Musso.
The Argentine club’s interest in a new goalkeeper is also understood to be independent of the future of Santiago Beltrán. Journalist Germán Balcarce reported that River have decided to sign a goalkeeper regardless of whether Beltrán remains at the club or leaves.
Al Hilal holds the key
Despite the reported progress, River Plate still faces a major obstacle in their pursuit of Bounou.
Al Hilal extended the goalkeeper’s contract in October 2025, keeping him at the Saudi club until June 2028. This means River would need Al Hilal’s approval to complete any January transfer.
According to Argentine outlet TN, River has already made contact to explore the possibility of negotiating Bounou’s departure. The report also claimed that the goalkeeper is interested in joining the Argentine club, while Al Hilal is currently not keen on selling him.
Argentine newspaper Olé has taken a more cautious approach, confirming Bounou’s presence on River’s list of targets without reporting significant progress in negotiations.
Therefore, the reported “principle agreement” does not mean that the transfer has been finalized. Al Hilal’s position remains a decisive factor in determining whether Bounou can leave Saudi Arabia in January.
Bounou’s longstanding connection with River Plate
River Plate’s interest in Bounou also comes amid the goalkeeper’s longstanding admiration for the club.
The Moroccan goalkeeper attended the 2018 Copa Libertadores final between River Plate and Boca Juniors in Madrid. He also traveled to Japan to watch River face Barcelona in the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup final.
Bounou has previously spoken about his relationship with former River star Ariel Ortega. The goalkeeper revealed that Ortega had even asked him when he would join the Argentine club.
His personal connection with River could therefore make the prospect of a move appealing to Bounou. However, his contractual situation at Al Hilal means that his preference alone would not be enough to complete the transfer.
Bounou’s record at Al Hilal
Bounou joined Al Hilal in August 2023 after leaving the Spanish side, Sevilla.
The Moroccan goalkeeper has made 135 appearances for Al Hilal in all competitions, conceding 120 goals and keeping 55 clean sheets, according to the figures cited in the report.
He has also won five trophies with the Saudi club, including one Saudi Pro League title, two King’s Cup titles, and two Saudi Super Cup trophies.
Bounou was named the Saudi Pro League’s best goalkeeper for the 2023-24 season and helped Al Hilal reach the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
With his contract running until 2028, Al Hilal remain in a strong position ahead of any potential approach from River Plate for the Moroccan international.
