Karim Benzema to Lyon? Contract and cost cast doubt on romantic return | OneFootball

Lyon supporters are entertaining a homecoming for Karim Benzema after his release by Al-Hilal on Sunday, yet several obstacles temper the idea.

He returned for pre-season in prime shape, having trained for a few days at home in Bron. In mid-August he showed his disagreement with coach Simone Inzaghi after being substituted with 20 minutes left against Al-Faisaly, a 4-2 win. According to L'Equipe, he already has other offers on the table.

The biggest hurdle is contractual and financial. Though no longer tied to his club, which had been paying more than €20m per season, he remains an ambassador for the Saudi Pro League until 2030 on a package also above €20m a year.

Given those earnings, surrendering such terms late in his career, at a time when Lyon have little financial flexibility, appears unrealistic.

In December 2025 he told a sports daily it might be better to leave things as they are, suggesting he could help the club in another capacity and that he was unsure about playing. He reiterated that view in April during an Instagram live with rapper Rohff.

Source: Le Progres

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