Benzema dismisses departure rumors and confirms his future at Al-Hilal

Karim Benzema put an end to departure rumors Thursday evening, following Al-Hilal’s victory away at Al-Fayha (3-0). The 38-year-old French striker told Saudi media that he would honor his contract with the Riyadh club.

“I am staying at Al-Hilal for now, it is the contract that binds me to the club, and I am trying to give everything I have with the team,” said the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner at the final whistle. He added: “There is nothing new on this subject, and for now I am a player in Al-Hilal’s ranks, I will try to continue working in the best way possible.”

These statements come as several sources have suggested in recent days a possible early termination of his contract, which runs until June 2027. At the heart of the speculation: a strained relationship between Benzema and his coach Simone Inzaghi, the former Inter Milan manager who reportedly does not count on him this season according to some reports.

In this context, Al-Hilal reportedly explored options to find him a replacement. The name of Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa striker, reportedly circulated, with the Saudi club having made an offer of 45 million euros for the English international. A proposal that Aston Villa reportedly rejected, though the matter is not definitively closed.

Benzema, for his part, chose to speak publicly. His direct statement after the match sends a clear signal, even if tensions behind the scenes with Inzaghi, if confirmed, could reignite the saga before the summer transfer window closes.