Karim Benzema faces Al-Hilal exit as Saudi giants target Ollie Watkins

Karim Benzema’s future at Al-Hilal has become uncertain, with reports suggesting the Saudi Pro League club are considering ending the French striker’s contract and replacing him with Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins.

Benzema, who is 38, has a deal with Al-Hilal until next summer but is reportedly not part of coach Simone Inzaghi’s plans for the long term.

According to Sky Sports and Spanish newspaper AS, Al-Hilal want to create space for a new striker, with England international Watkins emerging as their leading target.

Benzema’s contract complicates exit

The main difficulty for Al-Hilal is understood to be the financial and contractual arrangements surrounding Benzema’s deal.

Sky Sports reports that part of the striker’s salary is paid through entities connected to the Saudi Pro League, meaning Al-Hilal cannot simply terminate his contract without reaching an agreement with the league and other relevant authorities.

Benzema has reportedly asked to receive his full salary for the final year of his contract if the club decides to end his stay.

That demand is understood to have been rejected by Al-Hilal’s management and the league association, further complicating negotiations.

Watkins emerges as replacement

While Benzema’s future remains unresolved, Al-Hilal are already looking towards England for his potential replacement.

Watkins is at the top of the club’s list, but any move for the Aston Villa striker would require negotiations because he is contracted to the Premier League club until 2028.

The pursuit of Watkins reflects Al-Hilal’s desire to resolve their attacking situation quickly and make room for a new foreign striker in their squad.

Benzema starts season with a goal

The uncertainty comes only months after Benzema moved to Al-Hilal from Saudi rivals Al-Ittihad in a major deal last February.

He began the current campaign in the starting line-up and scored from the penalty spot in Al-Hilal’s 4-2 victory over Al-Faisaly in their opening Saudi League fixture.

However, the striker appeared unhappy after being substituted in the 70th minute, adding further fuel to speculation over his relationship with the coaching staff.

Foreign-player rules add pressure

Al-Hilal’s plans are also being shaped by changes to foreign-player registration rules in Saudi football.

Under the current regulations, clubs can register eight foreign players for league matches, while the limit is 10 for the King’s Cup and Saudi Super Cup.

With Al-Hilal looking to bring in another attacking option, the club now face a race to resolve Benzema’s contractual situation before making their next move.

For the former Ballon d’Or winner, his future has become increasingly uncertain just months after arriving at the Saudi giants.