Bounou disclosed that the collapse of the transfer was mostly due to his commitment to compete in the 2024 African Cup of Nations.
As a result, Real Madrid decided to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea instead of continuing their pursuit for the Moroccan goalkeeper.
In response to his failed contract with the La Liga’s current champions, Bono informed Canal Sur (via Relevo):
“I was the first option,” the Al Hilal goalie said.
“That’s what I understand. Later, the board of directors analysed the whole situation, and they saw that I could go to the African Cup and miss a lot of games in an important month for Madrid… and it couldn’t be.
“In addition, they had other options in the form of a loan that suited them better.”
The 32-year-old goalkeeper helped Sevilla win two Europa League championships during his tenure there and also led Morocco in reaching the last World Cup in Qatar’s semifinals.
