A press report on Sunday revealed new developments regarding the future of French striker Karim Benzema of Saudi football club Al-Hilal.
Al-Awsat” quoted informed sources as saying that Al-Shabab club has agreed to sign Frenchman Karim Benzema, in the event that his relationship with Al-Hilal club ends, and has asked the Saudi Professional League to facilitate his transfer procedures, but the French striker strongly rejects the idea of moving to the capital club.
According to the sources, Benzema informed Al-Hilal of his desire to stay with the team, or to terminate the contractual relationship between the two parties by mutual consent, provided that he receives all his remaining financial dues until the end of his contract on June 30, 2027.
The newspaper “Al-Sharq Al-Awsat” revealed on August 25 the details of Benzema’s financial and contractual situation, as he receives $25 million annually under his direct contract with Al-Hilal, and his remaining dues, from September until the end of next June, amount to about $20.8 million, or about 78.1 million Saudi riyals.
The newspaper also revealed at the time the existence of another contract independent of Al-Hilal, worth $23 million annually and extending until 2030, which is funded through the recruitment program of the Saudi Professional League, in exchange for roles that Benzema performs in promoting Saudi football and related events.
The remaining value of that contract, assuming it ends on June 30, 2030, is approximately 330.6 million riyals, and it includes a clause that prevents Benzema from playing outside Saudi Arabia for the duration of its validity, as his transfer to a club outside the Kingdom and his participation with it will lead to the immediate cancellation of the contract.
This equation makes the French striker’s move to another club within the Saudi League one of the options that would allow him to maintain his other contract, which extends until 2030. However, Al-Shabab’s entry into the negotiations has so far been met with the player’s refusal.
On the other hand, the completion of the deal is not solely dependent on Benzema's approval, as Al-Shabab's request is contingent on the club offloading its 30-year-old English player, Josh Brownhill, before the club can complete the necessary procedures to sign the French striker.
Al-Shabab asked the Saudi Professional League to facilitate Benzema's transfer, but sources stressed that the player's position still represents the biggest obstacle to the deal, given his strong refusal to wear Al-Shabab's jersey.
Al-Sharq Al-Awsat also revealed in its report published on August 25 that Benzema rejects the option of being registered in Al-Hilal’s Asian squad to participate in the AFC Champions League.
The new development puts the French striker’s future in front of limited options, given his insistence on obtaining his full financial rights if his relationship with Al-Hilal ends, and at the same time his need to stay within Saudi football if he wants to maintain his other contract that extends until 2030, while Al-Shabab’s approval and its move with the league association have not yet succeeded in changing the player’s position, which rejects the transfer.
Who is Benzema?
Answer: Karim Benzema is a famous French footballer and a former Ballon d’Or winner. He has played for major clubs and has also represented the France national team.
What does a transfer mean in football?
Answer: A transfer is when a football player moves from one club to another, usually through an agreement between the clubs and according to league rules.
Why might a team ask the Saudi League to facilitate a transfer?
Answer: A team may seek the league’s assistance to complete the required procedures, approvals, or regulations involved in moving a player between clubs.
What can fans learn from football transfers?
Answer: Transfers show how clubs, players, and football leagues work together. They can also affect team strength, competition, and the excitement of a football season.
