Marcin Bułka Joins NEOM SC After Dramatic Transfer Race

Polish goalkeeper Marcin Bułka has signed a long-term contract with NEOM SC in the Saudi Pro League, ending speculation about a potential move to Sunderland. The 25-year-old will play in Saudi Arabia until June 2029.

According to a previous report, NEOM secured his signature with a lucrative offer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

NEOM SC finalized a deal with OGC Nice for Marcin Bułka. They offered a contract reported to be worth €10 million per year. Sunderland, who had made Bułka their top goalkeeping target for the summer, could not compete with the financial package available in Saudi Arabia. The French side agreed to a transfer fee of €15-16 million, and Bułka completed his medical. Despite late efforts from Sunderland, Bułka accepted NEOM’s proposal, making him the new first-choice goalkeeper for the Saudi club’s debut top-flight season.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE TEAMS INVOLVED

Bułka’s departure is a blow for Sunderland, who must look elsewhere to strengthen their squad after failing to win promotion back to the Premier League last season. OGC Nice lose a goalkeeper who played 89 matches, kept 30 clean sheets, and had become a key figure since his arrival in 2021.

According to a previous report, Nice are expected to move for Yevann Diouf as Bułka’s replacement.

For NEOM, his signing is a statement of intent as they look to establish themselves quickly in the Saudi Pro League after earning promotion this year.

LOOKING AHEAD

NEOM SC are preparing for their first Saudi Pro League campaign aiming to avoid immediate relegation and challenge established teams in the division. They will face Al-Nassr in their opening match with Al-Nassr finishing second last season.

A previous report confirmed that Al-Nassr are entering as one of the established teams in the league. OGC Nice, who ended the previous Ligue 1 season in 7th place, must finalize a replacement before the new campaign begins. Sunderland’s search for a top goalkeeper continues as they prepare for another Premier League season after a few years out of England’s top flight, hoping to improve on their mid-table finish and close the gap to the playoff contenders.