Karim Benzema joins Al Hilal after delay has become the headline move of the Saudi Pro League transfer window, reshaping the balance of power and stirring fresh controversy across the league.
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Benzema’s delayed switch finally completed
After days of uncertainty, Karim Benzema joins Al Hilal after delay was officially confirmed on deadline day. The 38-year-old striker ended his stint at Al Ittihad and signed with their fierce rivals following last-minute clearance from the Saudi Ministry of Sports and the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Al Hilal announced the move on social media, welcoming the reigning Ballon d’Or winner as their newest superstar. For Benzema, the transfer ends weeks of tension after he rejected a proposed extension at Al Ittihad, which he reportedly considered disrespectful. Sources indicated the deal would have significantly reduced his playing compensation, prompting intervention from PIF.
Ultimately, Karim Benzema joins Al Hilal after delay to remain in Saudi Arabia, despite interest from Europe, largely due to his long-term image rights contract running until 2030.
Ronaldo frustration and league tensions
The fallout from Karim Benzema joins Al Hilal after delay has extended beyond Jeddah. Cristiano Ronaldo, now with Al Nassr, was reportedly furious with PIF’s handling of the situation. The Portugal star allegedly refused to feature in Al Nassr’s recent match in protest, believing rival clubs were being strengthened at his expense.
Ronaldo is still chasing his first Saudi Pro League title since arriving in 2022. Seeing Karim Benzema joins Al Hilal after delay only heightens the pressure, as his former Real Madrid teammate now joins the most decorated club in the country.
Wider transfer ripple effects
As Karim Benzema joins Al Hilal after delay, Al Ittihad have moved quickly to reshape their squad. Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri is set to arrive as Benzema’s replacement, while World Cup winner N’Golo Kanté will depart Jeddah to join Turkish giants Fenerbahçe.
With Simone Inzaghi in charge, Al Hilal already boast a formidable squad. The fact that Karim Benzema joins Al Hilal after delay further strengthens a side that has won 21 league titles and four Asian Championships. Last season’s Club World Cup upset over Manchester City underlined their ambitions.
In the end, Karim Benzema joins Al Hilal after delay may prove to be the defining move of the season—one that intensifies rivalries, fuels Ronaldo’s frustration, and signals Al Hilal’s clear intent to dominate Saudi football once again.
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