Rabat – Moroccan international goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has reportedly emerged as a target for Argentine giants River Plate, with the club exploring the possibility of signing the Al Hilal goalkeeper.
According to Argentine outlet Mejor Informado, River Plate has made initial contact with Bounou’s entourage to gather information about his situation at the Saudi club and assess the possibility of bringing him to Argentina.
The report comes as River Plate prepares for potential changes in its goalkeeping department, with young goalkeeper Santiago Beltran attracting interest from European clubs.
River Plate explores Bounou option
River Plate reportedly considers Bounou among its leading options should Beltran leave the club at the end of the year.
The Argentine club is working to extend Beltran’s contract and could include a significant release clause in his new deal. However, interest from European clubs has encouraged River Plate to consider alternative options for the position.
Bounou has emerged as one of the names attracting particular attention.
The Morocco goalkeeper remains under contract with Al Hilal until June 2028. Any potential move would therefore depend on the Saudi club’s position and its financial demands.
River Plate would also have to find a way to accommodate Bounou’s salary, which represents another major obstacle to a potential transfer.
Bounou has long admired River Plate
A move to River Plate would also have a personal dimension for Bounou.
The Moroccan goalkeeper has previously spoken about his admiration for the Argentine club and his desire to represent its colors.
His connection with River Plate dates back several years. In 2015, Bounou traveled to Japan to watch the club during its participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The goalkeeper has also expressed his desire on several occasions to wear River Plate’s shirt, making the reported approach particularly significant.
The situation has now reportedly moved beyond Bounou’s personal admiration, with River Plate contacting people close to him to explore whether a transfer could be possible.
Salary could complicate potential move
Despite River Plate’s interest, signing Bounou would be difficult.
The 35-year-old remains tied to Al Hilal until 2028 and reportedly earns more than €10 million per year, according to Argentine reports.
Such figures would make it difficult for River Plate to compete financially with the Saudi Pro League club.
A potential agreement would therefore require several factors to align, including Al Hilal’s willingness to negotiate, Bounou’s position, and River Plate’s ability to structure a deal that meets the goalkeeper’s financial expectations.
Potential move would bring Bounou into Superclásico rivalry
If the initial contacts develop into formal negotiations and eventually an agreement, a move to River Plate would represent a major chapter in Bounou’s career.
It would also bring the Moroccan goalkeeper into one of South American football’s most famous rivalries, with River Plate facing Boca Juniors in the Superclásico.
Boca Juniors is currently led by former Argentina star Juan Roman Riquelme, adding another notable connection to a potential Bounou move to River Plate.
