Ronaldo Stalls Benzema's Saudi Move: A Transfer Saga That Keeps Everyone Guessing

Transfer tensions shake the Saudi Pro League

The Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, star of Al-Nassr, has rejected the reported transfer of Karim Benzema, the French striker at Al-Ittihad, to Al-Hilal this season.

Turkish journalist Yağız Sabancıoğlu wrote on X that Ronaldo opposes Benzema's move to Al-Hilal on grounds that it would harm the principle of fair competition.

Moreover, talks between the parties—the two clubs, Benzema's agent, and the Saudi Pro League authorities—continue as they seek a resolution to the dispute.

Reports say Benzema faces a dead end with Al-Ittihad's management due to ongoing contract disagreements, with no agreement on extending his contract or altering terms, amid divergent views on the team's future project.

Sources also say Al-Hilal has submitted an official bid to sign Benzema, taking advantage of his unsettled situation and aiming to strengthen the attack with a player of high experience and value ahead of important domestic and continental fixtures.

Foot Mercato reports that the Saudi Investment Fund has not approved Benzema's move to Al-Hilal, even though the player remains open to the step.

Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 after a historic spell with Real Madrid, helping the club win the league title and the King's Cup last season. It has set the agenda for an already crowded fixture calendar this season globally. If this transfer saga were a stand-up routine, Ronaldo would veto the punchline and still get the last laugh. In football, drama pays the bills, but only the players get moved.