Karim Benzema could be one of the biggest names available on the transfer market this summer. At 38, the French striker is expected to leave Al-Hilal, with the Saudi club reportedly ready to move on and prepare for the future without him.
Could this be the end of Karim Benzema’s time in Saudi Arabia? Al-Hilal no longer wants to keep him and is already working on his replacement, reportedly reaching an agreement with Ollie Watkins. However, parting ways with the former Real Madrid striker is proving far from straightforward.
Benzema wants the final year of his contract paid in full
The Frenchman’s contractual situation is unusual. Part of his salary is reportedly covered directly by Saudi authorities. As a result, any potential departure would not depend solely on an agreement with Al-Hilal, but also on the Saudi Pro League and the relevant authorities, according to Sacha Tavolieri.
For his part, Karim Benzema has reportedly set one clear condition for agreeing to leave: he wants to receive the full amount owed for the final year of his contract. Once that payment is made, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner would like to leave the club as a free agent and choose his next destination himself.
For now, however, that demand is reportedly not supported by Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League or Saudi political officials. While the idea of Benzema leaving appears to be on the table, the financial conditions could turn the situation into a major standoff over the coming weeks.
