Manchester United have been linked with Yassine Bounou following the goalkeeper’s exploits during the World Cup in Qatar.
According to the Spanish outlet Fichajes, Bounou is “awakening passions” around Old Trafford, which has led Sevilla to preemptively start the search for a new goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper has been in fantastic form of late as Morocco made history last Saturday by becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the competition.
Bono, as he is commonly known, made three crucial saves against Portugal as he led their defense to ensure that achievement by keeping his fourth clean sheet of the tournament.
While the Atlas Lions have impressed with their organizational acumen and fantastic discipline, arguably their best player thus far has been their goaltender.
However, one look at his club’s form may raise some doubts. This season, Sevilla have only kept a clean sheet in La Liga, conceding 22 goals in 14 matches.
They have also conceded, on average, two goals per game in their Champions League group, dropping them in the Europa League while languishing in 18th place in their domestic league.
It would be unfair to place much of the blame for the club’s failings on Bono’s gate, of course, and Sevilla’s wastefulness in front of goal along with the loss of the imperious defensive pairing of Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos last season. that forced them to fire Julen Lopetegui. beginning of October.
But it’s worth noting that the Moroccan club’s form is unlikely to put him in the frame for a transfer to a bigger club.
And while Bono surpasses David de Gea in some key goalkeeping metrics, he is not the ‘sweeper goalkeeper’ many believe Erik ten Hag would prefer between the sticks.
Transfers reported earlier in the week that Aston Villa were the most likely destination for Bono, with Emiliano Martinez attracting the attention of the biggest clubs following his fantastic performances in recent years.
Given Ten Hag’s requirements for a goalkeeper, it seems unlikely that Man United would be so intent on entering a bidding war with Villa for Yassine Bounou.
It would be unwise for the Red Devils to base their search for a replacement for De Gea on just one tournament, and with the Spaniard’s contract until this summer, they will surely be considering many alternatives.
