Karim Benzema rejects Asian-only role as stand-off with Al Hilal deepens

Karim Benzema has told Al Hilal he will not accept being restricted to Asian Champions League Elite duty as talks continue over his future with the Saudi Pro League club, according to reports.

British journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Al Hilal’s hierarchy have opened discussions with the French forward to clarify his position before the new Saudi Pro League season, while simultaneously exploring options to strengthen their attack in the current transfer window.

Benzema is understood to be insisting on a guaranteed starting role and is unwilling to remain at the club if he is to be downgraded to a back-up option or removed from the first-team plans for the coming campaign.

Asian-only registration plan rejected

Saudi media had floated the possibility of Al Hilal keeping Benzema solely for the Asian Champions League Elite, registering him for continental competition but omitting him from their domestic league squad.

Jacobs reports that Benzema has “completely rejected” that scenario, making it clear he does not want to be used only in a limited capacity for select matches in Asia while being left out of the club’s local roster.

That stance leaves Al Hilal facing a major decision in the weeks ahead as they attempt to finalise their squad composition and foreign-player slots for both competitions.

Al Hilal assess striker market

At the same time, Al Hilal are closely monitoring the striker market and are considering signing a new centre-forward in this transfer window.

The club’s assessment of potential attacking recruits is expected to play a decisive role in determining whether Benzema stays and, if he does, what his status in the squad will be.

Should Al Hilal move for a new first-choice striker, it could significantly diminish Benzema’s opportunities, increasing the likelihood of a parting of ways if no compromise can be reached over his role.

Underwhelming start to Al Hilal spell

Benzema joined Al Hilal in January, arriving in Saudi Arabia with high expectations following a distinguished career in Europe.

However, reports in Saudi Arabia note that he has yet to fully convince at his new club, particularly in high-profile fixtures where he was signed to make the difference.

Despite his presence, Al Hilal failed to secure either the Saudi Pro League title or the Asian Champions League Elite crown last season, adding further scrutiny to his impact and raising questions within the club about the balance of their attack.

As negotiations continue, Al Hilal must now decide whether to persist with Benzema as a central figure in their plans or reshape their forward line with a new leading striker, while the player holds firm on his demand for a regular starting role.