Shifting Dynamics in the Saudi Pro League: Benzema’s Transfer and Al-Ittihad’s Challenges

On Monday, fans of the Saudi Pro League were taken aback by the announcement of Karim Benzema’s transfer from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal. The former Real Madrid striker had joined the Jeddah-based club in 2023, contributing significantly to their victory in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League. However, Al-Ittihad’s performance this season has been disappointing, currently languishing in sixth place with only 34 points from 19 matches.

In contrast, Al-Hilal, which is also owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is enjoying a much stronger season, sitting atop the league table, just one point ahead of Al-Nassr. The addition of Benzema to a talented roster that already features players like Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Malcom, Darwin Nunez, and Theo Hernandez is a substantial advantage for head coach Simone Inzaghi.

With Benzema’s departure, Al-Ittihad is in urgent need of a new star player. Mohamed Salah has frequently been linked with a move to the Middle East, and reports indicate that discussions are progressing to make this transfer a reality. According to sources at Winwin, Al-Ittihad is closely monitoring Salah’s situation as they search for a new superstar. This urgency is heightened by the possibility of winger Moussa Diaby departing the club during the summer.

Although the Saudi Arabian transfer window is currently closed, Al-Ittihad’s interest in Salah could lead to a formal offer in the upcoming summer transfer window. Last year, the club had a £150 million ($205 million) bid for Salah rejected by Liverpool, and the forward himself acknowledged that discussions had been serious.

Tensions within the league have heightened following recent events. The Saudi Pro League is eager to maintain its prominence and attract established talents globally, especially with the 2034 World Cup on the horizon. However, dissatisfaction among players has surfaced, notably with Cristiano Ronaldo, who reportedly feels discontented at Al-Nassr. The legendary forward is said to be troubled by perceived favoritism towards Benzema’s transfer, believing it undermines his own efforts to win the league title since his arrival in 2023.

In addition to Benzema’s exit, Al-Ittihad may face further challenges as N’Golo Kante has been a target for Turkish club Fenerbahce. Although a deal seemed imminent, administrative errors caused it to fall through. Kante is reportedly eager to proceed with the transfer, having missed training on Tuesday. Yet, while Turkey’s transfer window remains open, Al-Ittihad would be unable to secure a replacement should Kante leave.

If Kante departs, it would deal another significant blow to Al-Ittihad’s already lackluster title defense this season. Regardless of the outcome, the club will need to rejuvenate its squad in the summer, with Salah emerging as a crucial target they desperately seek to secure.