Benzema stand-off leaves Al-Hilal balancing three major transfer moves

Al-Hilal are entering a decisive stage of the summer transfer window, with Karim Benzema’s future at the centre of a series of linked decisions that could significantly reshape the squad.

The Saudi club are still working to complete the team required by their coaching staff, with reinforcements needed in attack and several players potentially set to leave if new signings arrive. The most complicated issue involves Benzema, while Victor Osimhen has emerged as Al-Hilal’s leading target for the centre-forward position.

Al-Hilal are considering the possibility of replacing Benzema and reaching a financial settlement with the France striker to end his relationship with the club. However, any departure would depend on an agreement over the financial terms, with Benzema understood to be holding firm on receiving all of the money owed to him under the conditions of his exit.

That has created the main obstacle for Al-Hilal’s management. Moving on from Benzema is not simply a footballing decision; it is also a substantial financial matter requiring the full agreement of both parties. The Frenchman does not appear prepared to leave without receiving all of his outstanding wages, leaving the club to find a formula that satisfies the player while protecting its own interests.

If that issue can be resolved, attention will turn immediately to Osimhen. The Nigeria international is viewed as the priority option to strengthen the striker position, and his arrival would represent a major change to Al-Hilal’s attack. But the move is closely tied to the outcome of the Benzema negotiations and cannot progress independently of them.

Al-Hilal are also seeking to improve the right wing, with Portugal international Pedro Neto among the principal options under consideration. A deal for Neto would have consequences elsewhere in the squad, as it could allow Brazilian winger Malcom to leave for Al-Diriyah.

Malcom has already reached an agreement with Al-Diriyah over personal terms on a three-season contract. The remaining decisive step is Al-Hilal’s approval of the transfer.

However, Al-Hilal do not want to release Malcom before securing his replacement. Neto’s arrival is therefore regarded as an essential condition for the Brazilian’s move to Al-Diriyah. The club’s priority is to organise the sequence of deals so that Malcom’s departure does not leave a gap in the squad, while a new winger is brought in to provide the required attacking contribution.

The proposed moves are consequently closely connected. Al-Hilal need to settle Benzema’s position before they can fully pursue Osimhen, while signing Neto would clear the way for Malcom’s transfer. Each decision affects another part of the club’s planning.

Should Al-Hilal complete deals for Osimhen and Neto, while resolving Benzema’s future in a way that preserves the club’s interests, the squad would be reshaped around its technical requirements. Several existing names would depart and be replaced by high-profile attacking additions.

The coming days are therefore expected to be central to Al-Hilal’s plans. The club are not merely looking to add new players; they are attempting to reorganise the entire squad without leaving any position unfilled.

If the sequence of moves is completed successfully, Al-Hilal will have addressed their main needs and sent a strong message to their rivals before the transfer window closes.