Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine ‘Bono’ Bounou is considering a move away from the La Liga outfit with Premier League duo Leeds and West Ham United two potential destinations.
That is according to Mundo Deportivo; a Europa League winner and World Cup semi-finalist facing an uncertain future after losing his starting spot at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Bono may have started in Sevilla’s dramatic 2-2 draw at Manchester United on Thursday night. But, in domestic fixtures, the Morocco international has found himself watching on from the sidelines; Sevilla’s third head coach of a dreadful season – Jose Luis Mendilibar – preferring Marko Dmitrovic between the sticks.
Reports in Spain, meanwhile, claim that Bono’s agent is already scouring the market as he looks to draw up a list of alternatives destinations. Villarreal are among them; 40-year-old Pepe Reina currently the number one at the Estadio de la Ceramica. Real Sociedad, Roma and Valencia too. Los Che are facing a battle as they look to hold onto the much-admired Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Both Leeds and West Ham could reportedly offer Bono a fresh start in the Premier League too.
Leeds and West Ham like Sevilla ace Yassine ‘Bono’ Bounou
The Canada-born 32-year-old was arguably the outstanding shot-stopper as Morocco reached the final four of the Qatar World Cup. He helped the North African nation secure shock victories over Belgium, Portugal and Spain.
Vamos di Sevilla believe that Bono is valued in the region of £25 million. But his age, and his contract situation, means the Andalusian giants may consider a reduced fee. Bono has just two years remaining on his deal.
“We trust him,” Morocco team-mate Azzedine Ounahi told ESPN after Luis Enrique’s La Roja side were sent packing from Qatar. “He is an excellent keeper. We knew that if we got to the penalties, he would do the job for us. And he did. Spain didn’t even score a single penalty.
“He is among the best goalkeepers in the world, and he proved it today.”
Leeds United may be in the market for a new number one this summer; Illan Meslier likely to attract plenty of interest. West Ham, meanwhile, will see Lukasz Fabianski celebrate his 38th bithday next week.
With Alphonse Areola inconsistent, David Moyes may be feeling that ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I Am Looking For’ in his pursuit of a new first-team goalkeeper.
What, you didn’t think we’d get through an entire article about a man called ‘Bono’ without a single U2 pun did you?
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