Karim Benzema weighs Saudi stay or MLS move as Al-Hilal departure looms

Karim Benzema is nearing the end of his time with Al-Hilal, with the veteran forward considering three main options before the summer transfer window closes. The 38-year-old could remain in Saudi Arabia, move to Major League Soccer or explore a possible switch to the Scottish league, although his immediate future has yet to be settled.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Benzema is examining the possibility of continuing in the Saudi Pro League. That could involve a return to Al-Ittihad, the club for whom he previously played, or a move to Al-Shabab in the coming weeks.

Benzema joined Al-Hilal in the most recent winter transfer window, but his spell with the club now appears close to ending. Al-Hilal’s management is understood to have entered discussions over terminating his contract before the transfer market shuts.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his situation, Benzema does not appear ready to end his playing career. AS reports that the France striker has no intention of retiring, while Marca says retirement has not been ruled out completely, meaning several possibilities remain open.

A return to European football currently looks unlikely. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Benzema is ruling out a move back to Europe at this stage, reducing the likelihood of a transfer to Olympique Lyonnais, who have been linked with the forward in recent weeks.

The United States is another possible destination. A move to Major League Soccer would give Benzema an alternative to staying in Saudi Arabia, although no agreement has been reported and his next club remains undecided.

There have also been reports linking him with a move to the Scottish league, adding another potential route for the experienced striker as he assesses his options.

Benzema’s possible departure from Al-Hilal comes after only a short stay at the club following his arrival during the winter window. The discussions over his contract, combined with the lack of a confirmed next destination, have left his position unresolved with the summer market approaching its conclusion.

For now, the leading scenarios involve remaining in Saudi Arabia with either Al-Ittihad or Al-Shabab, moving to Major League Soccer or taking up a new challenge in Scotland. While retirement remains a possibility according to Marca, reports from AS indicate that Benzema intends to continue playing, keeping the focus on where he will go next rather than whether he will stop.