Union's First Move in Benzema Crisis Sparks Saudi Pro League Buzz
1 February 2026
First Move Amid Benzema Crisis
Karim Benzema, the French star, is at the heart of a growing dispute as Al-Ittihad reportedly takes the first steps to resolve the contract crisis surrounding their captain.
Sources say Benzema is facing a dead end with club management due to ongoing contract disagreements, with no renewal or revised terms agreed, and differing views on the team’s sporting project for the near future.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that Al-Hilal has formally tabled an offer to sign Benzema, aiming to bolster the attack amid a period of uncertainty for the striker and ahead of important domestic and continental fixtures.
There have also been whispers that Juventus is trying to sign the French forward, but Benzema is said to have rejected that option outright, according to transfer-focused outlets.
The French outlet specializing in transfers noted that Benzema’s priority at present is not a return to Europe, with a firm rejection of Juventus reportedly in place.
Concurrently, Fut Mercato claims that the Saudi Public Investment Fund has not granted approval for Benzema’s move to Al-Hilal, though the player remains open to the possibility.
It is worth noting that Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 after a historic spell at Real Madrid, helping the club secure the league title and the King’s Cup in the previous season.
What’s Next for Benzema and the Saudi Clubs?
With discussions ongoing, an upcoming meeting with Benzema’s representatives is expected in the next hours to explore a pathway out of the stalemate.
The saga underscores the pull of the Saudi Pro League as clubs seek star quality, while the league’s governance and investment structures remain under the spotlight as markets, ambitions, and timelines collide.
As rumors swirl, fans wait to see whether Benzema will continue in Saudi Arabia, explore Europe again, or perhaps spark a fresh twist in this high-stakes transfer drama.
It’s a tense chapter for a player who has just moved to a league capable of turning headlines into high-voltage spectacles.
Beyond Benzema, the broader message is clear: the Saudi market remains a hotbed for marquee signings, and every whisper could tilt the balance of power in the region’s football hierarchy.
Punchline time: If contract talks were a sniper competition, Benzema would be cashing in on the long shot—just make sure the trophy isn’t hiding behind a defender’s back. Punchline two: In this league, the rumor mill prints more headlines than the press box—talk about a press-f conference!
