After the “offensive” offer, Karim Benzema signed with the rival from Saudi Arabia » Fabrizio Romano's announcement: “Breaking news”
Article by Tudor Belivacă – Published Monday, February 02, 2026 10:55 p.m. / Updated Monday, February 02, 2026 10:58 p.m.
Karim Benzema (38 years old) leaves from Al Ittihad and he got along with Al Hilal, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The former Ballon d'Or's decision to sign with rivals Al Ittihad follows a proposed contract extension from Al Ittihad, deemed “offensive”: Benzema was offered no salary and would only be paid from image rights. Karim Benzema refused to play Al Ittihad's last two matches. The Frenchman's contract with Al Ittihad expires in the summer of 2026.
Fabrizio Romano announced: “Karim Benzema is the new player of Al Hilal”
“Breaking news: Karim Benzema is the new player of Al Hilal from Al Ittihad!
The former Ballon d'Or is leaving Al Ittihad to join Inzaghi's project at Al Hilal with immediate effect. Benzema accepted all the conditions tonight,” announced Fabrizio Romano on his Twitter account.
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Karim Benzema refused to play after receiving the offensive offer and missed two Al Ittihad matches: a 1-0 win with Al Najma and a 2-2 draw with Al Fateh.
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This season he played in 21 games and scored 16 goals. For Al Ittihad he collected a total of 83 matches, 54 goals and 17 assists. It is quoted by specialized websites at 6 million euros.
Benzema arrived at Al-Ittihad in 2023 as a free agent from Real Madrid. The Frenchman made his senior football debut for Lyon, the team he joined. It is not a common thing for Benzema to change teams: he spent 4 years at Lyon, 12 at Real Madrid and two and a half years at Al Ittihad.
