French striker Karim Benzema is in advanced negotiations to join Al-Hilal, the current leaders of the Saudi Pro League, amid growing tensions with his club Al-Ittihad, a source confirmed to AFP on Monday.
According to the source, Al-Hilal is keen to sign the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner for the final six months of his existing deal with Al-Ittihad, but Benzema’s representatives are pushing for a one-and-a-half-year contract instead.
Benzema, who joined Al-Ittihad in 2023 after 14 successful seasons with Real Madrid, has scored eight goals in 14 league appearances this season but has been absent from the club’s last two matches. Reports suggest the striker is unhappy with the club’s proposed contract extension terms.
Both Al-Hilal (based in Riyadh) and Al-Ittihad (based in Jeddah) are owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), which oversees several of the league’s top clubs.
Benzema’s entourage reportedly described an offer made by Michael Emenalo, the Saudi Pro League’s sporting director, as “insulting,” claiming it would have effectively left the forward “playing for free,” with only his image rights covered.
The 38-year-old veteran enjoyed a stellar debut season in Saudi Arabia, scoring 21 goals and helping Al-Ittihad win the league title. However, the reigning champions now trail Al-Hilal by 12 points in the current campaign.
When asked about Benzema’s recent absence, Al-Ittihad coach Sergio Conceição declined to provide details, saying:
“You have to ask the club’s management. Karim is a top-level professional and an extraordinary player.”
Benzema’s potential move to Al-Hilal — home to stars like Neymar and Aleksandar Mitrović — would mark one of the Saudi league’s most dramatic transfers since its high-profile recruitment drive began.
