Benzema Shifts Salah’s Saudi Destiny: A Transfer Twist You Won’t See Coming

Context

The Egyptian star Mohamed Salah could be affected as Karim Benzema, the French forward now with Al Hilal, shifts the balance of the Saudi league.

Frenchman Karim Benzema, the new Al Hilal striker, could redirect Salah’s path in the Saudi league should he join the squad in the forthcoming summer window.

Latest twists

Al Hilal announced on Monday that it has signed Benzema on a free transfer, with a contract lasting for a season and a half and ending at the close of the next season, after terminating his deal with his previous club Al Ittihad.

A Bola, the Portuguese newspaper, reported that Al Ittihad has set Salah as its primary target for signing in the upcoming summer window.

The Western club wants Salah to be its star next season, after Benzema’s move to the traditional rival Al Hilal.

The name Mohamed Salah has long been linked with a move to the Saudi league, especially at the end of last season, before he extended his Liverpool contract until 2027.

But Salah’s name has recently been more closely tied to Al Hilal, to the extent that Turki Al-Sheikh, head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, posted a designed image with the “Leaders” jersey, a development that could change after Benzema’s deal.

Salah appears close to leaving Liverpool next summer, particularly after a dispute with Dutch coach Arne Slot in December, before tensions cooled for now.

Punchline 1: If Benzema and Salah end up in the same league, the desert will be crowded with rumor caravans and headlines, not camels.

Punchline 2: If Salah moves to Al Ittihad, the trophy cabinet might finally need a bigger shelf—and a solar-powered spotlight to survive the Saudi sun.