As the Saudi Pro League continues to capture the attention of football fans around the world, another stunning piece of news broke on the last day of the winter transfer window (February 2-3, 2026). Karim Benzema, a Real Madrid legend and Ballon d'Or winner, has left Al Ittihad to make a dramatic move to their rival team, Al Hilal. This transfer is expected to have a significant impact not only as a player movement but also on the strategic dynamics and future landscape of the entire Saudi League.
Benzema's move to Al Ittihad last season after leaving the European stage was highly anticipated. During his time at Al Ittihad, he made 83 appearances and scored approximately 54 goals, displaying his outstanding scoring ability. However, rumors of conflict over contract renewal proposals persisted, ultimately leading to a known conflict with the club’s management. Amidst this backdrop, he joined Al Hilal on a free transfer, signing an 18-month contract, expected to last until mid-2027.
From a tactical perspective, Benzema's move to Al Hilal is intriguing in multiple ways. Al Hilal already boasts a strong squad and is a formidable team vying for the top of the league. With the addition of Benzema, a world-class forward, their attacking prowess is set to be further enhanced explosively. Benzema is not just a goal scorer but also excels in creating opportunities for his teammates with his exceptional link-up play and vision. His presence will create synergy with Al Hilal's existing attacking resources, posing an unpredictable threat to opposing defenses. Particularly, his ability to hold the ball up front and his composed finishing are expected to diversify Al Hilal's scoring routes.
In contrast, Al Ittihad faces a bleak situation after losing Benzema. His departure leaves a significant void as both a key goal scorer and a team leader. The tally of 54 goals clearly reflects his influence within the team. Al Ittihad is now faced with the tough challenge of quickly finding a replacement during the winter transfer window. The loss of attacking weight demands changes throughout their tactical operations and increase the likelihood of a short-term decline in team performance.
This transfer is expected to have substantial ramifications for the entire Saudi Pro League. With two Ballon d'Or winners, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, playing for Al Hilal and Al Nassr respectively, competition at the top of the league is anticipated to become even fiercer. According to media reports, Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly reacted negatively to Benzema’s move, possibly impacting his recent match appearances, though these are unconfirmed media speculations. Nonetheless, it's plausible for a superstar player to feel psychological disturbances due to a rival team's strengthening. This heightened competition has the potential to elevate the league’s overall appeal and performance, although it may also exacerbate an imbalance of power towards certain teams.
Benzema's transfer highlights that the Saudi League is not merely a stage for players nearing retirement but is an arena where players with global competitiveness actively participate, engaging in intense recruitment battles even within the league. With this transfer, Al Hilal solidifies their position as a strong contender in all championships, including the Asian Champions League, whereas Al Ittihad faces an unexpected crisis. The upcoming actions and tactical shifts in the Saudi Pro League consequent to these transfers are eagerly anticipated.
@KarimBenzema @AlHilal @AlIttihad @SaudiProLeague @CristianoRonaldo @FootballNews