Al‑Hilal Sign Karim Benzema on Free Transfer in 18‑Month Deal
The league leaders secure the 2022 Ballon d'Or after a public rift over a rejected extension at Al‑Ittihad.
Overview
- Al‑Hilal announced the arrival of Karim Benzema on a one‑and‑a‑half‑year contract, confirming he joins on a free transfer.
- Benzema posted a farewell to Al‑Ittihad on social media, saying the chapter ends and that he leaves with his head held high.
- The switch follows reported tensions at Al‑Ittihad, with Benzema missing two matches after turning down an extension his entourage described as insulting.
- The former Real Madrid forward, a five‑time Champions League winner and 2022 Ballon d'Or, has 8 goals in 14 league games this season and won the Saudi title last year.
- Al‑Ittihad trail Al‑Hilal by 12 points in the Saudi Pro League, and both clubs are controlled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.