Al-Hilal seek to part ways with Karim Benzema, report says

Sky Sports reported on August 17, 2026 that Saudi club Al-Hilal are seeking to part ways with striker Karim Benzema. The report states Italian head coach Simone Inzaghi does not intend to build the team around the 38-year-old and the club are pursuing a Premier League replacement, with Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins identified as the main candidate.

Al-Hilal are reportedly considering terminating Benzema’s contract, which is set to expire next summer, to create room for a new striker. Benzema joined Al-Hilal from Al-Ittihad in a massive transfer last February. The report says Inzaghi has “no ambitions to build around” the French forward.

According to the report, Benzema has demanded his entire compensation for the final season of his contract if Al-Hilal end the deal; neither the club’s management nor the league are prepared to meet that demand. Those financial disputes have been described as making discussions increasingly tense and have complicated efforts to sever the relationship quickly.

The Sky Sports coverage adds that the impasse is preventing Al-Hilal from registering a replacement: the signing of the Aston Villa forward cannot proceed until the Benzema situation is resolved. The outlet notes that Benzema’s departure is a top priority for Al-Hilal “but maybe not for the other parties involved in the transaction.”

On the opening weekend of the Saudi Pro League, Benzema converted a penalty in Al-Hilal’s 4-2 victory over Al-Faisaly and was substituted in the 70th minute; the report records that he showed irritation at the change and that the episode did little to dispel rumours about his relationship with the coaching staff.

Until the contractual dispute is settled, Sky Sports reports Al-Hilal cannot complete their pursuit of a Premier League replacement, leaving the club unable to register Ollie Watkins while Benzema’s status remains unresolved.