In a surprising move that shook Saudi football circles, Al-Hilal, the reigning Saudi Professional League champions, officially announced the signing of French superstar Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad in a blockbuster transfer. Al-Hilal confirmed the news in an official statement published on their X platform, explaining that Benzema will join the club on a one-and-a-half-year contract, after all financial and contractual terms were agreed upon by all parties.
Historical background and context of the deal
This transfer comes as one of the biggest surprises in the history of the Saudi League, especially since Benzema had joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2013 from Real Madrid, in a deal that was part of a massive project to attract world-class stars to the Kingdom. Benzema, the 2012 Ballon d'Or winner, is considered one of the most prominent names to have joined the league, boasting a legendary career with Real Madrid, during which he won five UEFA Champions League titles. His move from a traditional rival like Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal adds a new competitive and historical dimension to the rivalry between the two giants of Saudi football.
Importance and expected impact of the deal
Domestically, Benzema's arrival is expected to bolster Al-Hilal's formidable attacking force, forming a terrifying partnership with Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. This will provide the team with greater tactical flexibility and squad depth, especially given their continued ambitions to compete for all domestic and continental titles. Regionally and internationally, this deal underscores the financial power and growing appeal of the Saudi Professional League (SPL), which is no longer solely focused on attracting stars from Europe but is now capable of brokering major deals between its domestic clubs. This reflects a new era of maturity and strength for the Kingdom's sports market.
Next steps
According to the club's statement, Karim Benzema is scheduled to join the team's group training session on Tuesday, in preparation for his participation in upcoming matches once his official registration with the team is finalized. This announcement comes shortly after Al-Hilal's goalless draw against Al-Ahli in the 20th round of the league, and this signing serves as a strong message from the club's management to its fans about its determination to continue strengthening the team with top international players.
