SPORT NEWS: BENZEMA IN TALKS WITH AL-HILAL AMID CONTRACT DISPUTE AT AL-ITTIHAD

BENZEMA IN TALKS WITH AL-HILAL AMID CONTRACT DISPUTE AT AL-ITTIHAD


Former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is reportedly in negotiations with Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal following a contract disagreement with his current club, Al-Ittihad.

According to a source quoted by AFP on Monday, discussions are ongoing over a potential short-term move that would see Benzema join Al-Hilal for the remaining six months of his contract with Al-Ittihad.

The source disclosed that while Al-Hilal are open to a deal covering the rest of the season, Benzema’s representatives are pushing for a longer agreement of up to 18 months.

The French striker, who won the 2022 Ballon d’Or, has scored eight goals in 14 league appearances this season but has been absent from Al-Ittihad’s last two matches.

Media reports suggest the 38-year-old is dissatisfied with a proposed contract extension from Al-Ittihad, leading to growing uncertainty over his future at the club.

Both Al-Hilal, based in Riyadh, and Al-Ittihad, located in Jeddah, are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which oversees several top-flight clubs in the league.

Benzema is also reported to have received an offer from Michael Emenalo, the Saudi Pro League’s sporting director, which his camp allegedly considered unacceptable, claiming it would significantly diminish his financial terms aside from image rights.

The former France international joined Al-Ittihad in 2023 after a celebrated 14-year spell at Real Madrid. In his debut season in Saudi Arabia, he scored 21 goals, helping Al-Ittihad secure the league title.

This season, however, Al-Ittihad currently trail Al-Hilal by 12 points in the title race.

Al-Ittihad head coach Sergio Conceicao declined to comment on Benzema’s recent absence, stating that questions should be directed to the club’s management. He nonetheless described the striker as “a top-level professional and an extraordinary player.”

Negotiations remain ongoing, with no official confirmation yet from either club.

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