In a surprising development that could reshape the power dynamics in the Saudi Professional League, Al-Ittihad officials have set the asking price for their French star, Karim Benzema, during the winter transfer window. This decision comes amidst growing reports of the player's desire to leave the Jeddah-based club, potentially opening the door to a historic transfer that could see him join their arch-rivals, Al-Hilal.
According to reliable journalist Sacha Tavoleri, who revealed the details via the “X” platform (formerly Twitter), Al-Ittihad management is demanding 25 million euros to release the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner. This figure reflects the size and importance of the deal, not only financially, but also symbolically, as the transfer of a player of this stature between two Saudi Arabian football giants would be an exceptional event.
Background of the crisis and its historical context
Karim Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2013 from Real Madrid in a deal that resonated globally, as part of the Public Investment Fund's project to elevate the level and value of the Saudi league. His arrival, along with other stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, was seen as a pivotal step in attracting global attention to the competition. Despite a promising start, tensions soon arose between the player and the club's management, exacerbated by the team's declining results and mounting criticism of the French star's performance. This culminated in a crisis surrounding his delayed return from vacation, sparking a storm of speculation about his future.
The importance of the deal and its expected impact
If this deal goes through, its impact will extend far beyond the pitch. Domestically , Benzema's move to Al-Hilal would be a major blow to the ambitions of defending champions Al-Ittihad and a massive boost to Al-Hilal's attacking prowess, as they currently lead the league. This direct transfer would ignite the rivalry between the two clubs and their fans to unprecedented levels. Regionally and internationally , this deal would be indicative of the complex dynamics within the Saudi Pro League project. While the project aims to attract star players, retaining and satisfying them presents a significant challenge. The departure of a star of Benzema's caliber after only a few months would raise global questions about the working environment and the ability of clubs to manage such a constellation of world-class players. It's worth noting that Benzema's contract with Al-Ittihad runs until 2026, meaning any transfer requires the full consent of his current club.
