Al-Hilal step up rebuild amid Benzema stand-off, with Osimhen and Pedro Neto in focus | OneFootball

Al-Hilal have entered a decisive phase of their summer rebuild, with Karim Benzema's uncertain future central to a chain of moves. The squad is still short of the shape the coaches want, so the club are pushing to plug gaps.

According to Goal.com, Al-Hilal are exploring a financial settlement to part ways with Benzema, who is holding firm on his contractual dues.

The issue is as much financial as technical, since the Frenchman has shown no sign of leaving without all his wages, which could complicate any agreement.

Only then could attention turn fully to Victor Osimhen, the priority to strengthen the striker position. Landing a forward of his calibre could transform the front line.

The right flank is also on the agenda, with Pedro Neto emerging as a leading option.

If Neto arrives, Malcom would be cleared to leave, having agreed personal terms with Al-Diriyah on a three-year contract that still requires Al-Hilal's approval.

The club do not plan to release a foreign player before a replacement is secured, making Neto's signing a condition for Malcom's departure.

Every move is tied to another, with Osimhen dependent on resolving Benzema and Neto opening the door for Malcom.

If the sequence comes off, Al-Hilal could quickly remodel the squad and address core needs before the window shuts. The coming days could bring significant movement and an altogether different look.

Source: Goal.com

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