Karim Benzema offered chance to return to Al-Ittihad after Al-Hilal exit

Karim Benzema has received an offer to return to Al-Ittihad after ending his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

The France international’s future has become the subject of speculation after his agreement with Al-Hilal was terminated in the past few hours. Benzema joined Al-Hilal from Al-Ittihad in January.

AS reports that the striker received two offers following the end of his Al-Hilal contract. One came from Al-Shabab, but, according to Middle East reports, Benzema rejected the proposal from the Saudi club.

He has since been offered the opportunity to rejoin Al-Ittihad on a free transfer.

Reports say the termination applies only to Benzema’s contract with Al-Hilal. His agreement with the Saudi Pro League is initially set to continue until 2030, despite the player being understood to be moving towards retirement.

Benzema’s time with Al-Hilal therefore ends after only 16 appearances. He scored 10 goals, provided five assists and helped the club win the King’s Cup.

The Frenchman first moved to Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023, after his contract with Real Madrid expired. During his time with the club, he helped “the Tigers” win the Saudi league title and the King’s Cup.

Benzema scored 54 goals and supplied 17 assists in 83 matches for Al-Ittihad before moving to Al-Hilal.

His career in Saudi Arabia followed a distinguished 14-year spell at Real Madrid. Benzema joined the Spanish club from French side Lyon in 2009 for a fee of €35m.

He made 648 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 354 goals and creating 158 more. During his time at the club, he won 25 trophies, making him Real Madrid’s most decorated player.

Benzema also represented France 97 times between 2007 and 2022, scoring 37 goals for his country.

A return to Al-Ittihad would mark another move between the two Saudi clubs for the veteran forward. His next step remains tied to the outcome of the offer reported by AS, while his wider agreement with the Saudi Pro League is expected to remain in place until 2030.