European football legend, 38, has lucrative Saudi contract worth £85m ripped up
Karim Benzema has agreed to tear up his lucrative contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, with the football legend reportedly considering retirement.
Benzema, 38, had only joined Al-Hilal during the January transfer window with the French forward signing a deal until June 2027.
The veteran forward had joined on a free transfer from fellow Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, who he had signed for from Real Madrid back in 2023.
Benzema’s move had been the spark for Cristiano Ronaldo staging a brief strike at Al-Nassr, with the forward said to have felt his side were not being backed financially compared to their rivals.
Benzema’s spell at Al-Hilal looks to have been a brief one, with the club set to announce his departure following talks.
The forward was said to have held talks with Al-Hilal over recent days over his future, with the parties agreeing to tear up the final year of his contract.
Karim Benzema has agreed to tear up his lucrative contract with Al-Hilal after just six months
Saudi journalist Waleed Al-Farraj reported that Benzema is considering retiring from football.
‘Benzema was presented with several options, including a move to Al-Shabab or a return to Al-Ittihad, but he rejected both options,’ Al-Farraj said.
‘When the decision came into his hands, he indicated that he was leaning towards retiring from football.’
Benzema was reported to earn up to £85million-a-year when he moved to Al-Ittihad, before moving onto Al-Hilal.
The nature of Benzema’s contract has reportedly limited his future options, with the Frenchman reportedly being paid by both Al-Hilal and the Saudi Pro League.
Reports claim Benzema is paid £18.5million annually by Al-Hilal, which is supplemented by a separate deal.
Benzema is also said to have four years remaining on a contract with the Saudi Pro League, worth £17m-a-year, which requires him to promote football and participate in certain promotional events in the country.
Benzema’s departure comes with Al-Hilal having confirmed the signing of Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa
It is claimed a move abroad would lead to the cancellation of this deal, limiting Benzema’s options further if he wishes to continue his career.
Benzema’s departure from Al-Hilal comes with the Saudi side having confirmed the £50million signing of Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.
The England international could soon be joined by Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, after a £55m deal was agreed to sign the Brazilian forward.