Al-Hilal's negotiations to sign Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad: Details of the deal
In a significant development that could shift the balance of power in the Saudi Professional League, informed sources told Okaz newspaper that Al-Hilal's management is intensifying its direct contact with French star Karim Benzema, captain of Al-Ittihad, and his agent. These accelerated efforts aim to sign the Ballon d'Or winner and buy out the remainder of his contract with Al-Ittihad before the current winter transfer window closes, in what could be the biggest and most controversial deal in the Saudi market.
The Yellow Castle crisis and the French star's rebellion
This news comes amidst clear tension in the relationship between Benzema and the Al-Ittihad club management. The player was surprisingly absent from his team's match against Al-Fateh last Thursday. Reports indicate a serious disagreement stemming from the player's feeling of being undervalued, especially after receiving a contract extension offer he described as "disappointing." The crisis escalated when Benzema requested to be excluded again from the squad for Sunday's match against Al-Najma, amidst a tense atmosphere and a complete halt to renewal negotiations, opening the door wide to speculation about his future.
Al-Hilal, the "Leader," seeks absolute dominance
Al-Hilal, nicknamed "The Leader," is looking to exploit this weakness to bolster its ranks with a world-class striker, especially ahead of the anticipated match against Al-Ahli. Al-Hilal is the most decorated club in Asian and domestic competitions and is always on the lookout for big names befitting its status as the face of Saudi football. The transfer of a player of Benzema's caliber from a direct rival (Al-Ittihad) to Al-Hilal would be a major blow to its competitors and a clear message about "The Blues'" desire to secure titles early.
Historical background: Benzema and the Saudi League project
Karim Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in a historic transfer after a glittering career with Real Madrid, where he won every possible title and was crowned the world's best player. His arrival was part of Saudi Arabia's ambitious sports project, which aims to make the Roshan League one of the world's best leagues. Despite scoring 8 goals in 14 appearances this season, expectations were much higher, increasing the pressure on him from both fans and management.
The potential impact of the deal both locally and globally
If this deal goes through, it won't just be a player transfer, but a major sporting event covered by global media. The transfer of stars between clubs owned by the Public Investment Fund (Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli) is particularly sensitive due to the intense rivalry between them. Benzema's arrival at Al-Hilal would be a formidable addition to their attack, boosting the team's chances of competing on all fronts, including the AFC Champions League, and highlighting the financial and administrative flexibility of Saudi clubs in attracting and rotating international stars.
