The proposed transfer of 19-year-old Saïmon Bouabré from AS Monaco to Saudi club Neom SC is reportedly not yet a finalized deal. While Neom SC has reached an agreement with Monaco on a fee of approximately €12 million, and also agreed personal terms with the player, as understood by journalist Fabrice Hawkins, another journalist, Sacha Tavolieri, indicates that the young French international has not yet given his definitive approval for the move to the Gulf State.
Bouabré`s long-term future at his current club, AS Monaco, appears uncertain. The forward is reportedly eager to depart, and with only one year remaining on his contract, he has so far declined to sign an extension. Monaco`s CEO, Thiago Scuro, addressed Bouabré`s contractual situation and the prospects of a new deal earlier in July:
“He needs to demonstrate that he truly merits his place at the club. Our initial intention was for him to be part of the pre-season squad […] We require Bouabré to prove his capability and perform at the expected level. He could have utilized his playing time more effectively last season, a point I communicated to him directly. His performance did not meet our expectations. Ultimately, it boils down to fulfilling the sporting demands required of a Monaco player,” Scuro stated.
While Bouabré seems poised to leave Monaco, his destination might not necessarily be Neom. His consent for the transfer is still pending, and both Olympique de Marseille and Paris FC have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the promising young Frenchman.