Juventus has entered the race to sign Moroccan international goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, amid growing uncertainty surrounding his future with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal this summer.
According to Moroccan news outlet Hesport, the Italian giants have set aside €9 million to seal the transfer, though no official written bid has been formally submitted to Al-Hilal’s management yet.
The potential fee falls well short of half the €21 million Al-Hilal paid Sevilla to sign Bounou in the summer of 2023.
Negotiations, Age, and Contract Status
While Bounou’s age (35 years old) and Al-Hilal’s potential desire to free up an international player slot could influence talks, his current contract—running through the summer of 2028—gives the Riyadh club firm control over his future.
Juventus’ interest comes as the club seeks to bolster its goalkeeping department, despite already having Michele Di Gregorio and Mattia Perin in their ranks.
However, Juventus is not alone in pursuing the Moroccan stopper. Turkish giants Fenerbahçe have also added Bounou to their radar, aiming to bring him back to European football following his three-season spell in Saudi Arabia.
Squad Slot Rumors and Locker Room Standpoint
These transfer developments coincide with Mohammed Al-Owais’ return to Al-Hilal, raising reports that the club might rely on the Saudi keeper for domestic competitions to clear an international spot on their roster.
One proposed scenario suggested registering Bounou exclusively for the AFC Champions League Elite while omitting him from domestic league play—a setup the Moroccan international is reportedly unwilling to accept.
However, a source close to the player previously dismissed claims of a mutual contract termination or that Bounou had fallen out of head coach Simone Inzaghi’s plans, emphasizing that the player remains happy and committed to Al-Hilal.
Key Achievements at Al-Hilal and World Cup Success
Since joining Al-Hilal from Sevilla in August 2023, Bounou has played a pivotal role in winning the Saudi Pro League, the King Cup, and the Saudi Super Cup, while delivering standout performances at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
European interest in Bounou reignited following his impressive displays with Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he helped guide the Atlas Lions to the quarterfinals. His tournament highlights included saving a penalty from Kylian Mbappé against France, reaffirming his reputation as a big-game performer.
