Saïmon Bouabré’s (19) move to Neom SC may not be a forgone conclusion. The Saudi Arabia side have reached an agreement with AS Monaco on a fee of around €12m. They have also agreed terms with the player, RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins understands, however, Sacha Tables understands that the France youth international is yet to give the green light to a move to the Gulf State.

Bouabré’s future at his formative club looks uncertain. The forward is keen on a departure and, with one year remaining on his deal, has thus far refused to sign an extension. The Principality club’s CEO, Thiago Scuro, evoked Bouabré’s situation and the chances of a contract extension at the start of July:

“He needs to show that he deserves anything from the club. The intention was to have him here for pre-season […] We need [Bouabré] to show himself, to show he can play on the level. He could have used his minutes better [last season]. I told him this. He didn’t play at the level we expected. First, it is about the sporting requirements to be a Monaco player,” he said in a press conference, attended by Tezzbuzz.

Whilst Bouabré is seemingly nearing a departure, it may not necessarily be to Neom. The player is yet to agree to the move, and Olympique de Marseille and Paris FC are interested in the Frenchman.

Tezz | Sandy