According to The Pitch Prospect, Saudi dealmakers are considering a surprise transfer that would see Karim Benzema move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal.
The potential transfer is being pushed by PIF executives and central league officials rather than the clubs themselves.
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It is unclear whether the potential move will materialize this winter.
Former Ballon d’Or Winner Benzema is currently refusing to play for Al Ittihad after negotiations over a new contract failed to produce a breakthrough.
He is also believed to be training alone after being left out of the first team squad.
Benzema moved to the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in 2023 running his deal fell through with Real Madrid.
The 38-year-old is a free agent this summer but is willing to stay in Saudi Arabia on the right terms.
The French striker is understood to be disappointed with the terms offered to him for an extension at Al Ittihad.
This is despite club officials insisting that the consequences are a “misunderstanding”.
Al Hilal already has Darwin Nunez and Marcos Leonardo on its books, but the latter is the subject of interest Atletico Madrid.
Any move for Benzema would potentially allow the PIF-controlled club to offer more lucrative terms to entice Benzema to stay Saudi Arabia.
Benzema is so outraged by the breakdown of contract negotiations at Al Ittihad that he has missed the club’s last two games in the Saudi Pro League.
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He was missing from the 2-2 draw against Al Fateh in midweek due to his ongoing argument.
And he had to miss the home game on Sunday against bottom-placed Al Najma again.
Commenting on his absence, Al Ittihad coach Sergio Conceicao stated that club bosses needed to explain his current situation.
When asked why Benzema didn’t play against Al Fateh, he replied: “You should contact the management with these questions.
“I’m just here to train the players, referee games and win trophies.
“Karim is a fantastic professional.
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“He is a fantastic player who scored 13 goals in 17 games under my guidance. I am proud to be his manager.”
Benzema is his team’s top scorer this season, scoring 16 goals in 21 games in all competitions.
Last season he inspired Al Ittihad to a Saudi Pro League and King’s Cup double.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney scored more than Benzema’s 21 league goals, while he scored four goals in the cup – two of his goals coming in the 3-1 final win over Al Qadsah.
His dazzling performances led to him being named the Saudi Pro League Player of the Season.