Erling Haaland Denies Claims of Involvement in Manchester City’s Reported Approach for Al Hilal Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has firmly denied any involvement in the club’s alleged pursuit of Al Hilal and Morocco international goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Recent rumors had suggested that the prolific Norwegian forward might have played a role in recommending or facilitating contact between the Premier League champions and the experienced shot-stopper. However, Haaland has moved swiftly to set the record straight, dismissing the speculation as “completely false” and reiterating his commitment to focusing solely on football, not recruitment matters.
This development comes amid growing reports linking Manchester City with a possible move for Bounou, who has impressed fans and pundits alike with his consistent performances in Saudi Arabia and his standout displays at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. But Haaland’s statement has shifted the spotlight, raising questions about the origin and credibility of the rumors, and City’s actual goalkeeping plans heading into the 2025–26 season.
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The Rumor That Sparked the Controversy
The controversy began when a number of speculative reports, particularly from Spanish and Middle Eastern media outlets, suggested that Erling Haaland had spoken favorably about Yassine Bounou to Manchester City’s coaching staff. One particular story claimed that Haaland, who faced Bounou in the UEFA Super Cup when Manchester City lost on penalties to Sevilla in 2023, remained impressed by the Moroccan’s composure, reflexes, and leadership qualities.
The reports implied that Haaland’s alleged admiration might have influenced City’s supposed interest in bringing Bounou to the Etihad, possibly as an experienced backup—or even a competitor—to Ederson, whose long-term future has faced minor uncertainty in recent months amid rumors of interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.
However, Haaland, known for his directness and focused demeanor, took to social media to deny the claims outright. In a statement issued via his official Instagram account and reiterated in comments to a Norwegian news outlet, he said:
> “I’ve seen the stories linking me to some kind of role in a transfer decision regarding Yassine Bounou. I want to be very clear—I have no involvement in Manchester City’s recruitment strategy. I respect Bounou as a goalkeeper, but I have not recommended or discussed him with anyone at the club. This story is completely false.”
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City’s Goalkeeping Situation: Is There Room for Bounou?
Despite Haaland’s denial, speculation surrounding City’s goalkeeping department remains active. Ederson, the club’s undisputed No. 1 for several seasons, is reportedly attracting interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, including Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad. While no formal bids have been confirmed, City are said to be bracing for the possibility of offers and are drawing up contingency plans.
Behind Ederson, Stefan Ortega has proven to be a more-than-reliable deputy, delivering solid performances in cup competitions and stepping in during key moments. His performance in the 2024 FA Cup Final was lauded by Guardiola, who even hinted that Ortega might play more regularly in the future.
However, Ortega himself is believed to be considering his options, seeking a No. 1 role at another European club. With Zack Steffen having departed the club and young goalkeepers like James Trafford and Gavin Bazunu sold in recent seasons, Manchester City’s goalkeeping depth has thinned.
Enter Yassine Bounou.
The 33-year-old Moroccan international has had a stellar few years. After helping Sevilla win the UEFA Europa League in 2022 and shining at the World Cup, Bounou transferred to Al Hilal in 2023 as part of the Saudi Pro League’s recruitment drive. He has since maintained a high level of performance in Asia, proving his quality on the continental stage.
Bounou’s experience, calmness under pressure, and penalty-saving prowess have made him a consistent performer. It’s not hard to see why City might be monitoring him, especially if either Ederson or Ortega moves on. But Haaland’s name being dragged into the story appears to be an unnecessary fabrication—or a misinterpretation at best.
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Yassine Bounou Responds Politely Amid the Rumors
In a brief interview with a Moroccan sports outlet, Bounou was asked about the Manchester City links and Haaland’s reported involvement. The goalkeeper handled the question with grace, saying:
> “I have great respect for Manchester City and for Erling Haaland as a player. He is one of the best in the world, and it was always a challenge to face him. But as for the rumors, I cannot comment. I am happy with my current club, and I’m focused on doing my job here at Al Hilal.”
This comment neither confirmed nor denied any ongoing negotiations but reflected the professionalism Bounou is known for. Still, it also opened the door slightly to the possibility of future discussions, particularly if City’s goalkeeping situation changes dramatically.
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Pep Guardiola’s Take on Transfer Involvement
Pep Guardiola, known for controlling every detail of his team’s tactics and squad structure, has previously commented on player influence in transfer decisions. While he encourages input and discussion, the final say always lies with the management and technical staff.
Back in 2021, when asked if players like Kevin De Bruyne or Raheem Sterling ever suggested transfer targets, Guardiola chuckled and said:
> “This is not Football Manager. Our players are brilliant at what they do on the pitch. The rest is for the board, the scouting department, and myself.”
This philosophy likely still holds true, and Haaland’s firm denial aligns with the club’s stance on keeping footballers away from decision-making in transfers.
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Haaland’s Focus: Silverware, Not Signings
Erling Haaland is heading into the new season with renewed hunger. After scoring 35 goals across all competitions in 2024–25 and helping City lift the Premier League title and the UEFA Super Cup, he remains the club’s attacking lynchpin.
In recent interviews, Haaland has spoken about his desire to win more Champions League trophies, chase down Alan Shearer’s Premier League goal record, and become a City legend. He is reportedly in talks for an improved contract that would tie him down until 2029.
His denial of involvement in the Bounou story also serves to refocus attention on what matters most to him—goals, trophies, and professionalism.
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Media Responsibility and the Modern Rumor Mill
This saga also highlights a growing issue in modern football: the spread of unverified information. With social media fueling 24-hour news cycles, a single rumor—however baseless—can quickly snowball into a full-blown controversy. Haaland’s prompt rebuttal is a reminder that even top-tier players are not immune to misinformation.
It also underscores the need for greater journalistic responsibility in reporting on high-profile athletes. While it is fair to speculate based on credible leaks or club statements, involving a player like Haaland in a managerial process without any verifiable basis only adds confusion to the football discourse.
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Conclusion: No Smoke Without Fire—or Just Smoke?
Erling Haaland has definitively put to rest any suggestion that he is influencing Manchester City’s potential approach for Yassine Bounou. While City’s interest in the Moroccan goalkeeper might still be legitimate—especially in light of possible movements in the goalkeeping department—Haaland’s name can be safely removed from the narrative.
As the summer transfer window heats up, City fans will continue to watch developments closely. Will Bounou become a City player? Will Ederson stay or leave? And will Ortega push for a No. 1 role elsewhere? All are legitimate questions.
But what is certain—for now—is that Erling Haaland’s only concern is putting the ball in the back of the net. The rest, as he put it, is “completely false.”
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