In a surprising move that shook the winter transfer market in the Saudi Professional League, the management of Al-Hilal Club decided to suspend the final approval of the transfer of the young Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, and linked his fate to the success of the ongoing negotiations to sign the French star Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad Club.
This exciting development came in the final hours of the transfer window, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming via his official X account that advanced talks were underway between Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad to finalize the transfer of Karim Benzema. Romano indicated that "negotiations are continuing to finalize the deal in the final hours," adding that Al-Hilal has not given Marcos Leonardo the green light to move to Atlético Madrid, as the Brazilian player's future now hinges on the success of the French striker's transfer.
Background and context of the deal in the Saudi League
This move comes amid a major transformation of the Saudi Professional League, which has become a destination for some of the world's top football stars thanks to massive investments. The signing of Karim Benzema by Al-Ittihad last summer was a key indicator of this shift. However, recent months have seen numerous reports of the French star's dissatisfaction and desire for a new challenge, fueling speculation about his future.
Meanwhile, Al-Hilal , comfortably leading the league, is looking to further strengthen its squad to maintain its domestic dominance and compete strongly for the AFC Champions League title. Despite already boasting a potent attack spearheaded by Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus believes that adding a player of Karim Benzema's caliber and experience would be a game-changer for the team, especially given the absence of Brazilian star Neymar Jr. due to injury.
Importance and expected impact of the deal
If Benzema's transfer to Al-Hilal goes through, it will be a seismic event in Saudi football, as it's a rare occurrence for a player of his stature to move between two historically rival clubs within the same league. Domestically, this transfer will significantly boost Al-Hilal's strength, while dealing a major blow to Al-Ittihad's ambitions, a club that had built its project around the French star.
Regionally and internationally, this deal will underscore the financial strength and growing appeal of the Saudi league, demonstrating its ability not only to attract stars from Europe but also to facilitate significant player transfers within the Kingdom. The fate of Brazilian talent Marcos Leonardo uncertain, as the player and Atlético Madrid await the final decision from Riyadh in a transfer that has become part of a complex chess game with Karim Benzema at its center.
