# Marcin Bułka transfer saga

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/marcin-buka-transfer-saga
> Updated: 2026-08-17T18:24:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 3.

Polish goalkeeper Marcin Bułka moved from Ligue 1 side Nice to Saudi Pro League newcomers Neom SC in the summer of 2025. A serious knee injury early in the Saudi season limited him to six league appearances, after which he missed eight months before returning in late April and playing a match in the 30th round.

After recovering and resuming international duties with Poland, Bułka was reported in late July 2026 to be negotiating a move to Al-Hilal, the league runners-up, potentially to replace departing goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. By early August 2026, interest shifted as Olympique Marseille opened talks to sign Bułka, viewing him as a possible replacement for Gerónimo Rulli. Marseille must consider his high salary demand, while Al-Hilal was said to be monitoring the situation, keeping the option of retaining Bułka in Saudi Arabia on the table.

By mid-August 2026, reports indicated that while Bułka is seeking a return to European football following a cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for 231 days, he may not wish to join Marseille. Despite contact between the French club and his representatives, journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported that the player has expressed that he ‘does not wish to play for Marseille’, despite his previous experience in France with PSG and OGC Nice.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: Marcin Bułka seeks return to Europe from NEOM SC

Polish goalkeeper Marcin Bułka is looking to leave NEOM SC to return to Europe, with Olympique Marseille showing interest despite the player's reported reluctance to join the French club.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marcin-buka-seeks-return-to-europe-from-neom-sc

### 2026-08-04: Polish goalkeeper Marcin Bułka targeted by Olympique Marseille as he seeks exit from Saudi club

Polish keeper Marcin Bułka, under a €5 m‑a‑year contract with Saudi club NEOM SC until 2029, is being pursued by Olympique Marseille as he looks to leave after limited play due to injury.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polish-goalkeeper-marcin-buka-targeted-by-olympique-marseille-as-he-seeks-exit-from-saudi-club

### 2026-07-26: Polish goalkeeper Marcin Bułka linked to Al‑Hilal transfer

Polish keeper Marcin Bułka, after a knee injury limited him to six games for Neom SC, is now in talks to join Saudi vice‑champion Al‑Hilal.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polish-goalkeeper-marcin-buka-linked-to-alhilal-transfer

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Cite as: Marcin Bułka transfer saga. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/marcin-buka-transfer-saga