Benzema Heads to Al Hilal: Official Word Soon as Saudi Transfer Drama Unfolds
1 February 2026
The French star catches everyone by surprise.
Development: Benzema signs with Al Hilal through the season
Reports published on Sunday evening indicate that Al Hilal has reached an agreement with French striker Karim Benzema, captain of Al Ittihad, to sign through the end of the current season.
Benzema's renewal talks with Al Ittihad stalled, leading to his absence from the matches against Al Fateh and Al Najma in rounds 19 and 20 of the Saudi Pro League.
Al Hilal entered negotiations after Benzema entered his free-agent window, taking advantage of a strained relationship with the club, and multiple reports suggest Benzema does not want to stay with Al Ittihad.
According to trusted journalist Santi Ona on X, Hilal has secured Benzema for the rest of the season.
The report adds that talks for a longer-term contract, including salary terms, are ongoing, with discussions focusing on a contract extension after the season.
A match schedule indicates a RoSHen Saudi Pro League clash between Al Hilal and Al Ahli on February 2, 2026, at 18:30.
Benzema has previously been linked to Hilal on several occasions, most recently in May, but he chose to stay with Al Ittihad.
Context and next steps
Earlier links to a move to Hilal surfaced in May, but Benzema decided to remain with Al Ittihad.
A match recap shows Hilal set to host Al Ahli on February 2, 2026 at 18:30.
Benzema’s signing rumor adds to the ongoing chain of links with the Saudi giants.
Punchline 1: If Benzema signs, the only thing sharper than his strike will be the fine print.
Punchline 2: With this move, even the calendar is sweating—it's a transfer so hot it needs a thermos.
