Former Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bono, who is currently playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal this season, has revealed that he received an offer from Spanish giants Real Madrid during the recent transfer window. "In December there were offers, but I felt it wasn't the right time to make a move," Bono was quoted as saying by El Pelotazo on Twitter. "I was considered a priority target for Real Madrid, but the timing wasn't ideal for me personally." Bono explained that his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament created complications that made it difficult to complete a move to the Bernabeu. "The Africa Cup of Nations was scheduled in the middle of the transfer window, which really disrupted the discussions with Real Madrid," he said. "They were very interested in hiring me, but the international tournament made the logistics of a deal very difficult."
Despite being a top target for one of the world’s biggest clubs, Bono ultimately decided to stay with his current side in Saudi Arabia rather than move to La Liga. “I have a lot of respect for Real Madrid and it was an honour to be pursued by them,” he said. “But I felt it was best for my career and my personal situation to stay put for the time being.” The 29-year-old Moroccan goalkeeper has established himself as one of the Middle East’s best keepers since joining Al-Hilal in 2021 after a successful stint with Sevilla in Spain. His performances have clearly caught the eye of Europe’s elite clubs, but Bono seems content to continue developing his game in the Saudi Pro League for now.
Last summer, Bono made a big move by leaving Sevilla to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. The transfer fee, including bonuses, is reportedly €21 million for the 32-year-old goalkeeper. The two clubs have agreed a 3-year contract that will keep Bono in Saudi Arabia until the end of June 2026. Prior to his move, Bono had been a mainstay for Sevilla over the last 3 seasons, making 36 appearances for the club in all competitions last year. His remarkable performances even earned him a place among the top 3 goalkeepers for the 2022 World Cup, an impressive feat for the Moroccan international.
Bono has clearly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in world football in recent years. The large transfer fee paid by Al-Hilal reflects his growing reputation and value in the global market. At 32, Bono would have been forgiven for looking for one last big payday before retirement. However, in moving to Saudi Arabia, Bono has shown a level of ambition and hunger that belies his age. Rather than taking it easy, he has chosen to continue challenging himself at the highest level. This speaks volumes about Bono’s character and commitment to his craft. It will be exciting to see how Bono performs in the next chapter of his career in the Saudi Pro League. But given his track record of excellence, there is no doubt that he will continue to be a dominant force in goal in the years to come.
