Will the Africa Cup of Nations stop Real Madrid’s move to sign Bono as a replacement for Thibaut Courtois?

After the long-term injury suffered by first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Yassine Bounou, better known as Bono, has become Real Madrid’s top priority in the summer transfer window. Sevilla are thought to have set an asking price of €20-25 million (circa $22-27.5 million) for their Moroccan number one, who has received lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia. However, the 32-year-old’s preference is to stay in Europe, with a switch to Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on the cards after Bayern Munich dropped their interest in him in favour of Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga.

When will Bono be at the Africa Cup of Nations?

Madrid and Sevilla have already held talks over a potential transfer, which would go some way to solving Los Blancos’ issue between the sticks...but not completely. Between 13 January and 11 February 2024, Bono is expected to be called up by Morocco to play in the Africa Cup of Nations, which could see him miss a total of 13 club matches, depending on how far the Atlas Lions go in tournament in which they will be one of the favourites.

Bono, who is his country’s undisputed number one goalkeeper and was one of the stars of their World Cup run, would join up with Morocco immediately after the Christmas break, which would see him sit out the first round of LaLiga fixtures in 2024. Once the tournament gets underway in the Ivory Coast, he could potentially miss five more leagues games, although it remains to be seen when the matchday 20 clash against Getafe will be played. Los Merengues’ visit to the south of Madrid has already been postponed due to their participation in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia between 10 and 14 January, during which time they could play a maximum of two matches.

Bono could also miss four rounds of the Copa del Rey (including the first leg of the semi-finals), as well as the first leg of a possible Champions League round-of-16 tie (if Morocco reach the final). The minimum number of matches he could miss, were the Getafe clash to be rescheduled for much later in the season and Madrid lose their first cup ties, is eight.

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Which games could Bono miss due to the Africa Cup of Nations?

Are Real Madrid having second thoughts?

Could Bono’s availability, or lack thereof, see the move fall through? Bayern are thought to have swayed towards Kepa for the very same reason. Like the Germans, Madrid will expect to go the distance in all three cup competitions while the goalkeeper is off on international duty. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has publicly claimed that he has full confidence in back-up stopper Andriy Lunin, although it doesn’t appear as if the young Ukrainian will be Courtois’ long-term replacement. Food for thought for the Italian and his recruitment team.