Latest news with #Riyadh-based
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Bounou Extends Contract With Al Hilal After Club World Cup Heroics
Rabat – Moroccan international Yassine Bounou has ended speculation about his future by signing a contract extension with Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal, committing to the club until the summer of 2027. At 32, Bounou had been linked with a high-profile return to Europe, with Sevilla—his former club—reportedly eager to bring him back as their primary goalkeeper target for the summer transfer window. However, his new deal with Al Hilal dashes those hopes and strengthens the Riyadh-based club's ambitions to maintain their dominance both domestically and on the international stage. The timing of his decision comes on the back of a remarkable campaign at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where Bounou and fellow Moroccan Achraf Hakimi earned spots in the tournament's Best XI. His performances in the United States elevated him further in global esteem, especially after a record-equalling 10 saves against Manchester City and another heroic display in a narrow 2–1 defeat to Fluminense. Bounou ranked third among the tournament's top shot-stoppers, with his key interventions keeping Al Hilal competitive at every stage. Club sources indicate that Sevilla had been counting on Bounou's potential desire to return to European football. But his new contract suggests he has found a sense of belonging—and perhaps a fresh challenge—in Riyadh. For Sevilla, the rejection is a setback, forcing them to reassess their summer transfer plans. Currently enjoying a well-earned vacation in Morocco after his Club World Cup exploits, Bounou leaves no doubt about his priorities: aligning his prime years with a club that matches his ambition. By extending his stay, Bounou sends a clear message, not just about his loyalty to Al Hilal but also about his role in the Saudi Pro League's broader aspirations to attract and retain elite talent. Tags: bounoubounou al hilalyassine bounou
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Daily Schmankerl: Manchester United, Atlético Madrid like former Bayern Munich midfielder; Al Nassr eyeing AC Milan's Christian Pulisic; Liverpool sets price for Luis Díaz; Paul Wanner out a potential destination?; Newcastle wants Hugo Ekitiké; and MORE!
Bayern Alumni: United wants Tolisso (Goal) Former Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso is coming off of a solid season for Olympique Lyon and has drawn interest from both Manchester United and Atlético Madrid: Manchester United are reportedly looking to make a surprise move to sign France international Corentin Tolisso from Lyon, contacting the midfielder's entourage as they look to strengthen their squad this summer. Tolisso, who impressed in Ligue 1 last season, is reportedly open to joining the Premier League giants – but the Red Devils face competition from Atlético Madrid. Manchester United have officially reached out to Tolisso's representatives to explore a summer move, according to L'Equipe. The Lyon midfielder is under contract until 2027 but could be sold due to the club's ongoing financial struggles. Atlético Madrid have also shown interest as they prepare for Rodrigo De Paul's potential exit to Inter Miami. Tolisso's career was derailed by an ACL injury that left him without the explosiveness that was once a trademark for his box-to-box play. Always a solid teammate, it is good to see him getting back on his feet. Advertisement Al Nassr wants Pulisic (ESPN) Al Nassr could be eyeing up AC MIlan and USMNT star Christian Pulisic: Al Nassr have identified AC Milan and USMNT winger Christian Pulisic as a possible option to strengthen their attack, Rudy Galetti reports. The Saudi Pro League side are assessing their next steps to bring in the 26-year-old, with the inclusion of 31-year-old center-back Aymeric Laporte an idea that has been considered. This could see Pulisic link up with Sadio Mané and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack for the Riyadh-based club with a FIFA World Cup on home soil at the end of next season. Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 7, Episode 59 (Bavarian Football Works) Bayern Munich's week was noisy with rumors, but silent with action. When will things really start to heat up? Hopefully soon, so the boys can starting coming together. Let's talk about all of that and more! This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show: What did we learn from the Club World Cup? FIFA is already making some changes for next summer's World Cup, Paris Saint-Germain is human after all (Chelsea FC tore them apart), and Bayern Munich has some work to do. Bayern Munich could be looking at Leandro Trossard. Is Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany behind the move? It sure was looking like VfB Stuttgart attacker Nick Woltemade was going to join Bayern Munich this summer. it could be difficult. Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast, @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more. Advertisement LFC now wants €80 million for Díaz (Football Insider) As the transfer wheels turn, Liverpool FC has allegedly set a new price on Luis Diaz, so if Bayern Munich wants to make a move, there is a number they can point to: Liverpool have set a new price tag on Luis Díaz amid growing interest from both Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window. Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O'Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the 28-year-old's future at Anfield. Arne Slot is planning for the Colombia international to be a part of his squad in the upcoming season, but a fee of £69 million would force him to consider his options. This comes after Football Insider revealed on 13 July that Díaz is 'in negotiations' over leaving Liverpool with talks over a new contract yet to progress. As things stand, neither Bayern Munich nor Barcelona are willing to meet his asking price, with the former having set a price cap of £51 million in their pursuit. It is starting to feel like Bayern Munich will not get any of the most notable targets that have been linked to it. Instead, it is really feeling like we will get a blast of news out of nowhere on a day where we do not expect it. Plea likely headed to PSV (Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg) Longtime Borussia Mönchengladbach attacker Alassane Plea looks like he is headed to PSV Eindhoven: Advertisement Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show Season 4, Episode 51 (Bavarian Football Works) Bayern Munich's summer transfer window season has been silent since July 1st hit, but there are a lot of rumors swirling. Let's talk through those, but let's also discuss what could be a leadership void with the team as it heads into the new season. This is what we have on tap for this episode of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show: Hermann Gerland has retired from coaching after a terrific career. Is the void with leadership bigger than with players at left-wing, center-back, etc. at Bayern Munich? Will the team be ready for the rigors of the season after so many early setbacks? The Luis Díaz saga continues. What should we think of the latest news and should Bayern Munich be willing to pay upwards of €80 million for the Liverpool attacker. The latest on Nick Woltemade. A high-level, non-spoiler review of Squid Game season three. One less option for Wanner (Fabrizio Romano) Eintracht Frankfurt has been mentioned as a potential loan destination for Bayern Munich's Paul Wanner. Now, though, it appears that Die Adler are on the verge of bringing in Manchester City attacking midfielder James McAtee: Advertisement While mostly everyone is fixated on Bayern Munich's transfer acquisitions, the club does still need to find a good loan spot for Wanner, who is at the precipice of an enormous crossroads for his career. NUFC wants Ekitiké, too (ESPN) Newcastle United is making its play for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké: Newcastle have joined the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Magpies are among several Premier League teams, including Liverpool, who are keen on the 23-year-old, while there is also interest from the Saudi Pro League. But it is reported that Ekitike's preference is to remain in Europe if he leaves the Bundesliga for around €100m this summer, following a campaign in which he scored 15 goals in 33 league appearances, and the St. James' Park hierarchy have identified him as an alternative option to bolster manager Eddie Howe's attack after former Brighton forward João Pedro made the switch to Chelsea. Romano also checked in with additional information as well: ⚪️⚫️ EXCL: Newcastle submitted an official bid today to Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike! Proposal higher than €70m previously offered by another club this summer with Newcastle pushing to get the deal done. Negotiations underway. Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 7, Episode 58 (Bavarian Football Works) Bayern Munich's offseason is hitting its stride as the club scrambles to fill holes in its roster without breaking its bank account. Let's get into it, this is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show: Advertisement Bayern had a plan for Nick Woltemade, but it's out the window now and how much does the uncertainty surrounding Jamal Musiala's injury affect the squad planning. Breaking down the bizarre situation with Bayern Munich and Liverpool's Luis Díaz — should the Bavarians continue to swing for the fences with high-priced players a cost-efficient option with a lower risk be a better fit? Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku to Bayern? He is affordable and could fill the void at the No. 10 can he play the way that Bayern Munich requires? More from
Hans India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Without Ronaldo's invitation, I wouldn't be here: Jorge Jesus on becoming Al Nassr head coach
Jorge Jesus has been appointed head coach of Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr Football Club, taking over the reins from Stefano Pioli. The Portuguese tactician has revealed that Ronaldo invited him to join the team. Jesus was previously with Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League rivals Al Hilal SFC for two seasons in what was his second stint with the Riyadh-based club. 'Without his invitation, I certainly wouldn't be there. The motivation will be great. I'm going to try to ensure that Al Nassr, which is one of the best clubs in Saudi Arabia, can win titles. Cristiano Ronaldo is a player who has always won everything he's played for. He hasn't won in Saudi Arabia yet. I'll see if I can help him,' Jesus told reporters. Jesus parted ways with Al Hilal following their AFC Champions League Elit️e 2024/25 semi-final exit but did enjoy success with the four-time Asian champions, guiding the club to a treble in the 2023/24 season where Al Hilal won the Saudi Pro League, King's Cup and Saudi Super Cup. The 70-year-old had previously coached Benfica and Sporting CP in Portugal as well as Flamengo in Brazil. At Al Nassr, Jesus will be working with Portuguese icon Ronaldo, who recently extended his contract until 2027. 'Bem-vindo (Welcome), Mister Jorge Jesus,' wrote Ronaldo on an Instagram Story. Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in late 2022 following a high-profile exit from Manchester United, has been prolific in front of goal, scoring 93 times in 105 appearances across competitions. His move to Saudi Arabia marked a significant shift in global football, drawing international attention to the Saudi Pro League and setting the stage for a wave of star arrivals in the region.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Al Nassr signs Jorge Jesus as head coach on one-year contract
Al-Nassr appointed Portuguese Jorge Jesus as coach on Monday, two months after he left its bitter Saudi Pro-League rival Al-Hilal. The 70-year-old won the domestic treble in his second stint with Riyadh-based Al-Hilal in the 2023-2024 season, but left the club in May after it lost in the AFC Champions League elite semifinals to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli. ALSO READ: Luka Modrid joins AC Milan on one-year deal 'It's official, Mr. Jorge Jesus is the new coach of Al-Nassr', the Saudi club posted on X. The former Copa Libertadores winner with Brazil's Flamengo, who replaces Italian Stefano Pioli, has signed a one-year contract with Al-Nassr. Nine-time Saudi champion Al-Nassr has extended the contract of 40-year-old five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo until 2027.
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Portuguese Jesus returns to Saudi as Al-Nassr coach
Soccer Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Hilal v Al Shabab - Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - April 21, 2025 Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus is seen during the match REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo (Reuters) -Al-Nassr appointed Portuguese Jorge Jesus as coach on Monday, two months after he left their bitter Saudi Pro-League rivals Al-Hilal. The 70-year-old won the domestic treble in his second stint with Riyadh-based Al-Hilal in the 2023-2024 season, but left the club in May after they lost in the AFC Champions League elite semi-finals to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli. "It's official Mr. Jorge Jesus is the new coach of Al-Nassr" the Saudi club posted on X. The former Copa Libertadores winner with Brazil's Flamengo, who replaces Italian Stefano Pioli, has signed a one-year contract with Al-Nassr. Nine-times Saudi champions Al-Nassr have extended the contract of 40-year-old five-times Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo until 2027. (Reporting by Mohamed Yossry in Cairo, editing by Ed Osmond)
