Karim Benzema ‘to learn’ Al-Hilal fate within hours as Watkins talks could be decisive | OneFootball

Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal future could be settled within hours, with the club’s push for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins likely to be decisive.

Kooora reports that a decision on the French striker may follow once progress is made on Watkins, who is viewed as a leading target to strengthen the attack.

Benzema joined in the last winter transfer window after ending his Al-Ittihad contract. His stint with “the Boss” has underwhelmed, amid suggestions he has not fully aligned with Italian coach Simone Inzaghi’s approach.

The prevailing option is to end the agreement through a financial settlement, paying his remaining salaries and full entitlements.

That plan is directly tied to completing a deal for Watkins, which the club consider the key step before any final call on Benzema.

If Al-Hilal secure Watkins and then finalise terms with Benzema, the striker could receive more than 100 million euros to terminate his contract, a figure that would rank among the market’s biggest settlements.

Should Watkins arrive, the door may open for Benzema’s exit, while a collapse in talks could see him stay. Either way, the coming hours appear decisive.

Source: Goal.com

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