RIYADH - In a groundbreaking development, Al-Hilal, the prominent Saudi Arabian club, has made a significant announcement regarding the acquisition of Moroccan shot-stopper Yassine Bounou from the esteemed Spanish club, Sevilla FC. This momentous signing was officially confirmed by Al-Hilal on Thursday, marking a noteworthy addition to their roster.
In a surprising turn of events, Al Hilal's coach, Jorge Jesus, has made a bold recommendation to acquire a foreign goalkeeper. This decision comes as a result of his reservations regarding the performance of their current goalkeeper. Jesus, known for his astute judgment, has deemed it necessary to bring in fresh talent to bolster the team's defensive line.
In a recent announcement, the renowned club's official social media account, previously known as Twitter, unveiled an exhilarating video to commemorate the acquisition of Bounou. The captivating footage was accompanied by a powerful caption that read, "Always Hilal. Always Blue."
In a highly anticipated move, Bounou, the talented footballer, made his way to the bustling city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the early hours of Friday. The purpose of his arrival was to be formally introduced to the passionate fans of Al Hilal, one of the country's renowned football clubs. This grand introduction is scheduled to take place just before Al Hilal's thrilling match against Al-Fayha, set to unfold on Saturday.
Al-Hilal's acquisition of the international Moroccan player comes at a hefty price tag, with estimates placing the cost at a staggering €21 million. Sevilla FC will receive a substantial sum as part of an agreement to release Bounou from his contract, which had two years remaining before its scheduled conclusion in the summer of 2025.
In a lucrative deal, the highly sought-after 32-year-old goalkeeper has secured a remarkable annual salary of €12 million from Al-Hilal. Bounou's rise to prominence came during the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where he showcased his exceptional skills while representing the Moroccan national team. In the summer transfer market, his exceptional performance with Sevilla FC caught the attention of several clubs, including Real Madrid. With Thibaut Courtois sidelined due to injury, the Spanish goalkeeper emerged as a potential replacement for the prestigious club. However, Real Madrid ultimately opted to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga instead.
The successful acquisition of Bounou by Al Hilal owes its accomplishment to the unwavering support of none other than Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. Thanks to the generous financial backing of the Saudi prince, the signing of Bounou from Sevilla FC has been made possible, providing a substantial enhancement to the club's roster.
