Benzema ‘to forfeit’ 330 million riyals if he leaves Saudi Arabia | OneFootball

Benzema is tied to a promotional contract that effectively binds him to Saudi Arabia, with any departure said to risk forfeiting more than 330 million riyals. Asharq Al-Awsat reports that the deal runs to 2030 and carries strict playing conditions.

The agreement is worth 23 million dollars a year, about 86.25 million riyals. From next September to 30 June 2030, the remaining value is roughly 88.2 million dollars.

A key clause prevents him from playing for any club outside the Kingdom during the term. If he moves and features elsewhere, the contract is cancelled immediately, so quitting the Roshn League could cost him the full amount.

The arrangement is linked to promotional work for Saudi football and related events, dating back to his arrival with Al-Ittihad. Cristiano Ronaldo follows the same path.

The clause now frames his next move, with talks with Al-Hilal said to have stalled. If his relationship with the leaders ends, he may need to find another Saudi club, even on reduced terms, to protect the contract, or revisit the Al-Hilal option.

On registration, he has so far rejected being listed only in Al-Hilal’s Asian squad. That route would allow appearances in the AFC Champions League Elite, the King’s Cup and the Saudi Super Cup, but not the Roshn League.

As it stands, three routes remain. Agree a mutual termination with Al-Hilal then join another Saudi side, accept an Asian-squad role at Al-Hilal, or leave the Kingdom and forfeit the entire promotional sum.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”