Trabzonspor make enquiry about Karim Benzema as Mohamed Salah link fuels summer speculation

Trabzonspor have opened talks over a possible move for Al-Hilal striker Karim Benzema, according to Turkish reports, raising the prospect of the French forward joining Mohamed Salah in the club’s attack.

Benzema’s future at Al-Hilal remains uncertain, with several reports suggesting his contract could be terminated before the current summer transfer window closes.

The Saudi club are seeking another striker at the request of manager Simone Inzaghi. Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen have all been mentioned as possible targets as Al-Hilal consider their options in attack.

Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu reported on X that Trabzonspor had asked about the terms required to sign Benzema this summer.

His post read:

“🚨 Trabzonspor, Al-Hilal forması giyen Karim Benzema’nın sartlarını sordu!”

The report added that Trabzonspor have not yet reached an agreement with Al-Hilal over the proposed signing of Darwin Nunez. However, the Turkish club could now turn their attention to his team-mate Benzema after the former France international was offered to them.

“Trabzonspor, Al-Hilal ile yaptıgı gorusmelerde henuz anlasmaya varamadı. Surec devam ederken Karim Benzema, Trabzonspor’a onerildi ve Fransız yıldızla eszamanlı gorusmeler basladı!https://t.co/1ssqyHDXON”

No agreement has been reached between Trabzonspor and Al-Hilal at this stage, while discussions concerning Benzema are understood to be continuing.

A move would create a high-profile attacking partnership involving Benzema and Mohamed Salah, although the reports do not state that a deal for either player has been completed. The possibility of the two forwards playing together is the main reason the story has attracted attention in Turkey.

Benzema joined Al-Hilal during the January transfer window after ending his contract with Al-Ittihad. Despite moving to the club in the middle of the season, he did not win the Saudi Pro League title with the Riyadh side last season.

The 37-year-old’s position at Al-Hilal has since become the subject of speculation, particularly as the club assess whether to bring in a new striker for Inzaghi. Kane, Watkins and Osimhen are among the names linked with a move to the Saudi club.

Trabzonspor’s interest in Benzema comes as the club continue to explore attacking options, with their discussions over Nunez yet to produce an agreement.

The reports also come after a separate incident involving Salah’s representative, who was said to have mocked comments made by the president of Besiktas. No further details of those remarks were provided.