Karim Benzema joins Al-Hilal

Former France striker Karim Benzema has completed a move to Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal, ending his spell at Al-Ittihad after a reported disagreement over contract terms.

Al-Hilal announced the signing on social media on Wednesday, confirming that the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has signed an 18-month contract with the Riyadh-based club. 

“Karim Benzema is officially Hilali,” the club said in its announcement.

Benzema, 38, joins Al-Hilal on a free transfer. He had scored eight goals in 14 league appearances for Al-Ittihad this season but was left out of the club’s last two matches amid reports of dissatisfaction with a proposed contract extension.

Media reports said Benzema was unhappy with an offer presented by Saudi Pro League sporting director Michael Emenalo, which his entourage described as “insulting” and tantamount to “playing for free,” apart from image rights.

The former France international moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after a highly successful 14-year career at Real Madrid. 

In his debut season with Al-Ittihad, he scored 21 goals and played a key role in the club’s league title triumph.

This season, however, Al-Ittihad have struggled to keep pace with Al-Hilal and currently sit 12 points behind the league leaders.

Both Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which oversees several top clubs in Saudi Pro League.

SH