Al Hilal consider Karim Benzema settlement as Ollie Watkins move gathers pace

Al Hilal are expected to make a decisive call on Karim Benzema’s future in the coming hours, with the Saudi club closing in on a deal for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

The arrival of Watkins has become a central factor in Al Hilal’s plans for their attack and could lead to the French forward leaving the club after a short and difficult spell.

Benzema joined Al Hilal during the most recent winter transfer window after terminating his contract with Al Ittihad. However, his time with the club has not developed as supporters had hoped.

The former France international has struggled to produce the performances expected of him, while there has also been repeated discussion about his lack of complete understanding with Italian manager Simone Inzaghi and his tactical ideas.

A source close to Al Hilal told Kooora that the next few hours would be crucial in determining Benzema’s position. The club are understood to be strongly considering ending their contractual relationship with the striker through a financial settlement.

Under that arrangement, Benzema would receive all of the outstanding money owed to him, including the wages remaining on his contract.

The source indicated that the proposed settlement is directly dependent on Al Hilal completing their negotiations with Watkins. The Saudi club view the signing of the Aston Villa striker as the most important step before making a final decision on Benzema.

That means the Frenchman’s immediate future is closely tied to the outcome of talks between Al Hilal and Aston Villa. If an agreement is reached for Watkins, it could clear the way for Benzema to depart and allow the club to begin a new phase in attack.

Should Al Hilal complete the Watkins transfer and then finalise Benzema’s financial settlement, the French striker is expected to receive more than 100m euros. That figure would cover the termination of his contract and the full payment of his remaining financial entitlements, making it one of the biggest settlements anticipated in the Saudi transfer market.

Benzema’s next move therefore remains unresolved until the Watkins negotiations are concluded. A successful deal for the English forward could open the door to the Frenchman’s exit, while a failure to complete the transfer could see Benzema remain part of Al Hilal’s squad.

The situation has become one of the most significant outstanding matters in the Saudi transfer market, with the club’s decision expected shortly.

Al Hilal have previously been involved in wider scheduling changes affecting the Roshn Saudi League, with three rounds rearranged and dates also set for the King’s Cup and the Saudi Super Cup. However, the immediate focus at the club is now on the attacking positions and whether Watkins will arrive before Benzema’s future is settled.