Benzema Requests Exclusion from Al-Ittihad Matches as Al-Hilal Considers Move

French star Karim Benzema is reportedly at a pivotal juncture in his professional career within the Saudi Professional League, following an escalating dispute with his current club, Al-Ittihad, over his contract renewal.

The relationship between Benzema and Al-Ittihad's management has reportedly reached a critical point. The player deemed the club's latest contract renewal offer "disrespectful" and not reflective of his status as a world-class athlete. Consequently, Benzema requested to be excluded from matches, having already missed the last two games, until his situation is resolved – a rare move for a player of his caliber.

Against this backdrop, the possibility of a transfer for Benzema has opened up before the close of the winter transfer window, with Saudi club Al-Hilal emerging as a prominent potential destination.

According to the French newspaper L'Equipe, Al-Hilal has initiated contact and is strongly weighing a move to sign Benzema before the transfer window closes. The club is reportedly keen to bolster its attacking line with the experienced French forward.

While Al-Hilal appears to be the most immediate option, other European clubs, including Italian giants Juventus, have reportedly shown interest in the player's unfolding situation. However, no concrete progress has been made by these clubs to date.