‘Offended’ Benzema wants to switch Saudi team: source

Striker Karim Benzema, who is at loggerheads with his club Al-Ittihad, has entered negotiations to join rival Al-Hilal, the Saudi league leader, a source said. AFP on Monday.

«Negotiations are ongoing between the parties: Al-Hilal would like to sign Benzema for the remaining six months of his contract with Al-Ittihad, but the player’s agent demands a one-and-a-half-year contract,» the source said. Lihat juga reference source. AFP.

The French striker, winner of the 2022 Ballon d’Or, has scored eight goals in fourteen league matches with Al-Ittihad this season, but has not featured in the last two matches.

According to media reports, he is not happy with a contract extension offer reference source.

Both Al-Hilal, which plays in Riyadh, and Al-Ittihad, in Jeddah, are owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Benzema has reportedly received an offer from Michael Emenalo, sporting director of the Saudi league, which his entourage said he considered «insulting» because it would amount to «free play» apart from his image rights.

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The 38-year-old former French international moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after fourteen seasons at Real Madrid. Last season he scored 21 goals as Al-Ittihad won the league.

This season, Al-Ittihad is twelve points behind leader Al-Hilal.

Al-Ittihad coach Sergio Conceicao declined to comment on Benzema’s absence.

“You have to ask the management and officials of the club,” he said last week, adding that “Karim is a professional of the highest level and an extraordinary player.”

Published on February 2, 2026