Winter transfer window buzz: Will Benzema move to Al-Hilal?
Widespread media reports sparked considerable controversy in Saudi and international sporting circles during the recent winter transfer window, linking French star Karim Benzema, the Al-Ittihad striker, with a surprise move to their arch-rivals, Al-Hilal. Although the deal was never officially finalized, the mere suggestion of the idea cast a shadow over the football scene and revealed the new dynamics of the transfer market in the Saudi Professional League.
General context and historical background
This controversy comes amidst a football revolution in Saudi Arabia, which began with the attraction of world-class stars. Karim Benzema, the Ballon d'Or winner, was one of the most prominent figures of this revolution when he joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2013 from Real Madrid in a record-breaking transfer. This move was not merely a boost for the club, but part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at elevating the Saudi league to one of the strongest in the world. However, Benzema's first few months with Al-Ittihad were not without their challenges, with media reports indicating a slow adaptation and difficulties he faced with the team, fueling rumors of his potential departure.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Had Benzema's transfer to Al-Hilal gone through, it would have been one of the most controversial deals in Saudi football history. Domestically, it would have ignited the rivalry between the two Saudi giants, Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, to unprecedented levels, especially given that the two clubs share the "Saudi Clasico," one of the region's most prestigious derbies. A player of Benzema's caliber moving from Jeddah to Riyadh would have been a major blow to Al-Ittihad's morale and a huge boost to Al-Hilal's attacking prowess, which already boasts stars like Aleksandar Mitrovic and Neymar (despite his injury).
Regionally and internationally, this move would have underscored the immense financial power of Saudi clubs and their ability not only to attract stars from Europe but also to strike lucrative deals amongst themselves. It would also have reinforced the image of the Roshan League as a competitive professional destination no less exciting than the major European leagues. Although Al-Hilal's coach, Jorge Jesus, maintained official silence regarding these rumors—a typical stance for coaches to avoid disrupting team stability—the sporting community followed developments with keen interest until the transfer window closed with Benzema remaining at Al-Ittihad, making this saga a captivating chapter of the winter transfer window.
