Karim Benzema completes shock transfer from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal amid Cristiano Ronaldo protest | OneFootball

Karim Benzema has completed a deadline-day switch from Al-Ittihad to Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal, leaving with only months left on his deal. The move comes amid Cristiano Ronaldo's frustration over recent transfer activity in the league.

The Frenchman joins Mohamed Kader Meïté in arriving at Al-Hilal this winter. ESPN reports the deal briefly stalled earlier in the day because of Ronaldo’s discontent at rivals strengthening while Al-Nassr could not.

Al-Hilal currently lead the way and sit one point clear of Al-Nassr after 19 games played. Both clubs are managed by the Public Investment Fund.

Ronaldo did not feature in Al-Nassr's deadline-day fixture against Al-Riyadh after reports before kick-off claimed he planned to go on strike in protest at transfer activity. The club have not explained his absence and he has not spoken publicly.

If his absence was a protest, it appears to be in vain, with Benzema now joining Al-Hilal as he goes in search of his second Saudi Pro League title. Ronaldo is yet to win the league since moving to Al-Nassr from Manchester United in 2022.

Benzema posted a farewell to Al-Ittihad on social media, expressing respect and gratitude and wishing the club well. He turned 38 in December and has scored eight goals in 14 league appearances this season.

Al-Hilal play Al Akhdoud on Thursday with the chance to extend their lead. Al-Nassr meet Al-Ittihad on Friday night, with attention on when Ronaldo chooses to return.

Source: Goal.com