Benzema is reportedly in talks to join rival club Al-Hilal following a contract dispute.

Karim Benzema, currently at odds with his club Al-Ittihad, has begun talks to join rival side Al-Hilal, the current leaders of the Saudi Arabian league, a source told AFP on Monday.

“Negotiations are underway 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 is demanding a one-and-a-half-year contract,” the source told AFP.

The French striker and 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has netted eight goals in 14 league games for Al-Ittihad this season, but has missed the last two matches.

He is unhappy with a contract extension offer, according to media reports.

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

Benzema reportedly received an offer from Michael Emenalo, sporting director of the Saudi league, which he considered “insulting” as it would amount to “playing for free”, apart from his image rights, according to his entourage.

At 38, the former France international made the move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after spending 14 seasons with Real Madrid. He netted 21 goals last season, helping Al-Ittihad secure the league title.

his season Al-Ittihad trail leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points.

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

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

AFP