In a seismic deadline-day transfer that has sent ripples through Middle Eastern football, Karim Benzema has completed a shock move from Al‑Ittihad to rivals Al Hilal, reshaping the title picture in the Saudi Pro League as the current season gears up for the final few months. Benzema has officially signed a 1.5-year deal on a free transfer to join the Riyadh club departing the Jeddah-based side where he had been a marquee figure since 2023.
Exit from Al-Ittihad over contract dispute
Benzema’s departure from Al-Ittihad came after weeks of tension over a proposed contract renewal that the 38-year-old reportedly found unsatisfactory. Sources close to the negotiations said the striker felt the extension offer undervalued his contribution, particularly after his stellar performances that helped Al-Ittihad secure the Saudi Pro League title and King’s Cup in the previous season. Benzema’s decision to step away from first-team action amid the dispute, including missing recent matches, signalled his desire for a fresh challenge just months before his contract was due to expire.
The move also unfolded amid controversy linked to the league’s unique structure, where the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) oversees several clubs. Benzema’s switch to Al Hilal reportedly faced resistance earlier in the day, with tensions involving fellow superstar Cristiano Ronaldo at rival Al-Nassr, who was also said to be frustrated by the owners and even missed the game against Al Riyadh in protest.
What benzema brings to Al Hilal
Benzema arrives in Riyadh as one of the league’s most prolific foreign talents. During his time with Al-Ittihad since June 2023, he scored 54 goals in 83 appearances, played a pivotal role in the club winning the 2025 league title and was a key attacking force in domestic competitions. His leadership and finishing instincts have marked him out as one of the Saudi Pro League’s most influential players.
At Al Hilal, Benzema will join a squad already chasing league honours and continental success, adding experience, goals and big-match temperament to a team that has been among the domestic frontrunners. His experience at the highest level, including a storied career with Real Madrid, where he won multiple Champions League titles and a Ballon d’Or, gives Al Hilal another attacking dimension as they seek both trophy success and sustained dominance under intense scrutiny.
Why the move matters
The transfer marks a rare intra-Saudi switch between major rivals, and one that could alter the title race. Al Hilal, often in contention for league glory and continental honours, gains a forward capable of decisive goals in tight matches. For Benzema, the move offers a fresh stage to extend his competitive twilight years and chase further silverware in a league that has quickly become one of the world’s most star-studded outside Europe.
Check Out: https://www.khelwire.com/articles/watch-ronaldo-scores-960th-career-goal-in-al-nassrs-win
The drama surrounding his exit from Al-Ittihad also reflects evolving dynamics in the Saudi league. With multiple high-profile internationals including Ronaldo and others already in the competition, player power and contract negotiations are becoming as telling as on-field exploits. Benzema’s transfer could prompt fresh conversations about squad building, competitive balance and how clubs manage elite talents under one ownership umbrella.
Lingering questions and future prospects
With his contract now with Al Hilal running beyond the current season, Benzema’s focus will shift to helping the Riyadh outfit maintain domestic superiority and push deep into Asian competitions. Fans will also be watching how his presence affects the league’s marquee clashes and whether the French striker can continue his rich vein of form well into his late 30s. Suggestions of a possible future return to Europe, including a sentimental link back to Real Madrid, remain part of the wider narrative around his career, though his immediate future is now firmly tied to success in Saudi Arabia.
