Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported that Polish goalkeeper Marcin Bułka is staying with Neom club and is not close to joining Al-Hilal, contrary to what other reports have indicated.
Marcin Bułka
Club: Neom
Hours ago, Foot Mercato website reported that Al-Hilal is close to signing Polish goalkeeper Marcin Bułka from Neom this summer.
However, Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper quoted sources inside Neom club stating that Bułka’s contract with the club extends for the next three seasons, denying the circulating reports over the past hours regarding Al-Hilal’s interest in signing him.
It clarified that what is being circulated about the possibility of Bułka moving to Al-Hilal is not based on any official moves or negotiations.
In the same context, the report pointed out that Neom’s management is considering the idea of loaning Portuguese goalkeeper Luis Maximiano during the current transfer window to Al-Shabab, after signing him to a three-year contract last season when the club had to compensate for Bułka’s absence due to a cruciate ligament tear injury.
This move comes as Bułka has regained full fitness to return to guarding Neom’s goal, while the management continues to evaluate the best options regarding Maximiano’s future in a way that serves the interests of both the player and the team in the new season.
The former Nice goalkeeper joined the Saudi league last season but missed most of the campaign due to a cruciate ligament tear injury.
It appears that Al-Hilal’s approach to signing Bułka signals the potential departure of its main goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou.
Moroccan press reports have revealed the possibility of international goalkeeper Yassine Bounou leaving Al-Hilal’s ranks.
According to the Moroccan website “Le Site Info Sport,” Al-Hilal is considering removing Yassine Bounou from the domestic squad list and relying on him only in the AFC Champions League to open the door for signing a new foreign player.
Yassine Bounou’s contract with Al-Hilal runs until the summer of 2028.
Days ago, Saudi national team goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais returned to Al-Hilal’s ranks from Al-Ula.
Bułka had joined Neom last summer but suffered an injury in early September and returned to the pitch in April.
Bułka played only 6 matches in Neom’s jersey.
Saudi league regulations allow the registration of 8 foreign players over the age limit to participate in domestic competitions.
