Benzema switches clubs in Saudi Arabia | OneFootball

One of the biggest sagas of this winter transfer window has finally concluded. Karim Benzema has left Al-Ittihad to join Saudi Pro League rivals Al Hilal, the club confirmed on Monday evening.

The 38-year-old forward has signed a one-and-a-half-year contract, keeping him at Al Hilal until summer 2027, with the reported transfer fee around €25 million.

Benzema had been at odds with Al-Ittihad after rejecting a contract renewal he reportedly considered unsatisfactory.

The move has drawn significant attention in Saudi Arabia, even reportedly upsetting Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, who questioned the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) handling of transfers between PIF-owned clubs.

Initially, the transfer was delayed due to clearance issues with the Saudi Ministry of Sports and the PIF, but the final agreement was completed on deadline day, allowing Benzema to fulfil his wish to switch clubs while remaining in the Saudi league.

Despite offers from European teams, Benzema opted to stay in Saudi Arabia. The 2023 Ballon d’Or winner now joins a star-studded Al Hilal squad as they look to strengthen their title challenge.