In a dramatic turn of events within Saudi Arabian football, Karim Benzema has officially completed his transfer from Al-Ittihad to league leaders Al-Hilal, the Riyadh-based club confirmed on Monday. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has committed to an 18-month contract with his new club, marking a significant shift in the Saudi Pro League landscape.
The transfer materialized following a highly publicized dispute between Benzema and his former club Al-Ittihad. Media reports indicate the 38-year-old French striker became dissatisfied after receiving what he perceived as an “insulting” contract extension offer from the club’s management. According to sources close to the player, the proposal from Michael Emenalo, sporting director of the Saudi league, would have effectively amounted to “playing for free” beyond image rights compensation.
Benzema’s impressive scoring record of eight goals in 14 league appearances this season made him a valuable acquisition for Al-Hilal, who secured the transfer on a free basis. The former Real Madrid superstar, who spent 14 illustrious seasons in Spain before moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023, demonstrated his continued prowess last season by netting 21 goals that propelled Al-Ittihad to the league title.
The move represents a strategic coup for Al-Hilal, who currently enjoy a commanding 12-point advantage over Benzema’s former club in the league standings. Both clubs operate under the ownership of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), highlighting the complex dynamics within the kingdom’s rapidly evolving football ecosystem. Benzema’s absence from Al-Ittihad’s previous two matches now finds explanation in this high-profile transfer that reshapes the competition at the summit of Saudi football.