Karim Benzema seals deadline-day switch to Al-Hilal amid Ronaldo discontent reports | OneFootball

Karim Benzema has completed a deadline-day move from Al-Ittihad to Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal. The former Real Madrid striker was into the final months of his Al-Ittihad contract and follows Mohamed Kader Meïté in heading to Al-Hilal this winter.

The deal went through after earlier reports of a stall amid Cristiano Ronaldo’s discontent, ESPN reported. Both Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr are run by the Public Investment Fund and are contesting the title, with Al-Hilal one point ahead after 19 games.

Ronaldo did not feature in Al-Nassr’s deadline-day match against Al-Riyadh, following pre-game claims that the 40-year-old planned to go on strike over transfer activity. The club have not explained his absence and he has not commented. The move leaves Benzema chasing a second league crown, while Ronaldo is still seeking his first since 2022.

Benzema bade farewell to Al-Ittihad on social media, thanking the club, staff, team-mates and supporters, saying he leaves proud of what they shared.

He turned 38 in December and has scored eight goals in 14 league appearances this season. “My contract with Ittihad is coming to an end. I can't say yet whether I'll stay or leave,” he told AS. He added that he hopes to play for another two years and feels in strong condition.

Attention now turns to the next round. Al-Hilal visit struggling Al Akhdoud on Thursday, with a chance to extend their lead, while Al-Nassr face Benzema’s former club Al-Ittihad on Friday.

Source: Goal.com