'Insulted' Benzema seeks to switch Saudi teams

Striker Karim Benzema, who is at odds with his club Al-Ittihad, has entered into negotiations to join rivals Al-Hilal, the Saudi Arabian league leaders.

"Negotiations are underway between the parties: Al-Hilal would like to sign Benzema for the remaining six months of his contract with Al-Ittihad, but the player's agent is demanding a one-and-a-half-year contract.”

The French striker, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, has scored eight goals in 14 league games this season with Al-Ittihad, but did not play in the last two matches.

He is unhappy with a contract extension offer, according to media reports.

Both Al-Hilal, who play in Riyadh, and Al-Ittihad, in Jeddah, are owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Benzema reportedly received an offer from Michael Emenalo, sporting director of the Saudi league, which he considered "insulting" as it would amount to "playing for free", apart from his image rights, according to his entourage.

The 38-year-old former France international moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after 14 seasons with Real Madrid. Last season he scored 21 goals as Al-Ittihad won the league.

This season Al-Ittihad trail leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points.

Al-Ittihad coach Sergio Conceicao declined to comment on Benzema's absence.

"You have to ask the club's management and officials," he said last week adding that "Karim is a top-level professional and an extraordinary player".