Karim Benzema, furious with Al-Ittihad’s owners: his move to Al-Hilal could be close

The tenure of Karim Benzema in the Saudi Pro League is seemingly entering its final hours—at least in the yellow and black of Al-Ittihad. The relationship between the former Real Madrid captain and the Jeddah-based club has reached a boiling point after a contract renewal offer failed to meet the Frenchman’s expectations. What started as a silent disagreement has erupted into a public standoff, precipitating an exit that many saw coming but few expected to happen this abruptly.

The crux of the conflict lies in the terms of the new deal. Benzema’s inner circle reportedly viewed Al-Ittihad’s proposal—which maintained his current clauses without accounting for his massive commercial impact and status—as a "strategy of attrition."

For a player of Benzema’s stature, being offered a stagnant contract was seen as a lack of recognition. The French icon has not hidden his frustration, and his stance is now definitive: staying at Al-Ittihad is no longer a viable option. The bridge hasn't just been burned; it has been dismantled.

While Al-Ittihad falters, Al-Hilal is ready to pounce. According to reports from L’Equipe, the league leaders are in pole position to secure Benzema’s signature. Under the tactical guidance of Simone Inzaghi, Al-Hilal views this as a "once-in-a-lifetime" market opportunity to pair the "Nueve" with their already star-studded roster.

Negotiations are reportedly in the advanced stages. If no last-minute hurdles arise, the deal could be signed within days. For Benzema, the appeal of Al-Hilal is twofold: it offers a more ambitious sporting project and a chance to compete for international trophies. However, the move carries a heavy price in terms of reputation; joining Al-Ittihad’s fiercest rival would be a seismic event, agitating the delicate ecosystem of Saudi football and potentially turning a former idol into a villain in Jeddah.

While the road to Al-Hilal seems paved with gold, a silent alternative remains in the shadows of the Old Continent. Juventus is reportedly monitoring the situation closely. The Italian giants are weighing a "last-minute" swoop to bring Benzema back to elite European football.

Financially, the operation is a nightmare for the Turin-based club due to Benzema’s astronomical salary demands. However, the prestige of the Serie A and the chance to lead a historical rebuilding project in Italy is an itch that Benzema has yet to scratch.

With his contract set to expire in June, Benzema holds all the cards. He is weighing his options with the calculated calmness of a veteran, aware that this choice will likely define the final chapter of his legendary career.

Whether he chooses the domestic dominance of Al-Hilal or a romantic return to Europe with Juventus, one thing is certain: the era of Benzema at Al-Ittihad is over. Saudi Arabia is bracing for another "bomb" on the transfer market, and once again, Karim "The Dream" is the main protagonist.