Benzema to Al-Hilal: Details of the deal that will change the Saudi league landscape

In a surprising move that shook Saudi football circles, French star Karim Benzema opened a new chapter in his career by transferring from Al-Ittihad to their arch-rivals Al-Hilal. This deal, completed during the winter transfer window, is considered one of the most significant transfers in the history of the Saudi Professional League and is expected to reshape the balance of power among the Kingdom's football giants.

Background to the deal: From the pinnacle of European glory to the heart of the Saudi project

Karim Benzema arrived in Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023 from Real Madrid, at the peak of his football career after winning the 2022 Ballon d'Or. His joining Al-Ittihad was a cornerstone of the ambitious Saudi League sports project, which attracted world-class stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Sadio Mane, with the aim of raising the level of competition and making the league a global destination for football fans.

Benzema’s time with Al-Ittihad, though short, witnessed moments of individual brilliance, but it coincided with a period of instability in the team’s results and challenges that the French star faced in fully adapting, which opened the door to rumors and speculations about his future with “Al-Ameed”, which culminated in this resounding transfer.

The impact of the deal: Blue dominance and new challenges

Benzema's move to Al-Hilal cannot be viewed as merely a player transfer; it is a strategic shift that will bolster the club's strength to an unprecedented degree. Benzema joins a constellation of world-class stars in Al-Hilal's ranks, such as Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ruben Neves, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, forming a formidable attacking force capable of deciding even the toughest matches.

Domestically, this transfer solidifies Al-Hilal's dominance and widens the gap with its rivals, especially Al-Ittihad, who are losing their star player and attacking leader. Regionally and continentally, the presence of a player with Benzema's experience and value, a five-time UEFA Champions League winner, gives Al-Hilal a tremendous boost in its quest to reclaim the AFC Champions League title and make a respectable showing in international competitions.

What does this mean for the Saudi League?

This internal transfer between two major clubs reflects the dynamism and competitiveness that the Saudi Professional League has reached. It's no longer just about attracting stars from Europe; top clubs are now competing amongst themselves for the best players already in the league. This move raises the bar and confirms that the Saudi sports project continues to evolve, aiming to create a comprehensive and exciting football environment that rivals the world's major leagues.

By joining Al-Hilal, Karim Benzema begins a new chapter full of challenges, where he will be required to lead the team towards more titles, and prove that his decision was the right step in his career full of achievements.