The 'golden trap' in which Benzema has fallen

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UEFA Champions League

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Real Madrid Inter Milan

08/09/26 21:00:00

1.57 4.50 5.25

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Karim Benzema, a 38-year-old forward, terminated his contract as a player for Al Hilal on August 31, but remains contractually bound to the Saudi Pro League until 2030. This situation prevented Olympique de Lyon from finalizing his return during the summer transfer window despite having had discussions with his representatives.

Leaving the Saudi club did not grant the Frenchman absolute freedom to choose his destination. His link with Saudi Arabia sets conditions for any operation outside the country, which was precisely the obstacle that halted the option of returning to the team where he started his professional career.

Karim Benzema. Al Hilal. 💣🔵 pic.twitter.com/iLWEj1pCW8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 2, 2026

Karim Benzema Wanted to Return to Olympique de Lyon

The interest from Olympique de Lyon was genuine. Their sports director, Matthieu Louis-Jean, confirmed on September 7 that the club had reached out to Karim Benzema through an intermediary during the summer when they were seeking a forward.

The operation could not progress due to the player's contractual situation. Benzema has an agreement with the Saudi league until 2030, independent of the contract he had with Al Hilal, thus his departure from the club did not automatically resolve all commitments associated with his time in Saudi Arabia.

The forward was also willing to seriously consider a return to Lyon. As reported in France, he even pondered playing for a season without salary to facilitate the operation, but this approach also did not overcome the contractual impediment.

Benzema had started his professional career at Olympique de Lyon before joining Real Madrid in 2009. His return would have completed a cycle 17 years after his departure, although the transfer window concluded without an agreement.

Al Hilal Parted Ways with Benzema After Strengthening Their Attack

Benzema's exit from Al Hilal was linked to the reshaping of their squad for the 2026/27 season. The club brought in players like Gabriel Martinelli and Ollie Watkins, increasing the number of foreign players available for domestic competitions.

Benzema would have faced difficulties in being registered domestically, with his participation likely limited to mainly the Asian Champions League. This scenario accelerated discussions that led to a mutual termination agreement.

His spell at Al Hilal lasted approximately seven months. The Frenchman played 16 matches, scored 10 goals, and provided five assists before leaving the team managed by Simone Inzaghi.

Before his departure, other options emerged within Saudi Arabia. Al Shabab showed interest, and there was even consideration for a potential return to Al Ittihad, the club where Benzema played before moving to Al Hilal.

Saudi Arabia Now Determines His Future

The situation leaves the forward with very limited market options. Despite formally being a free agent, his contract with the Saudi league until 2030 hinders an immediate move to European clubs like Lyon.

Three main possibilities arise: finding a contractual solution to definitively exit the Saudi framework, joining another team in the Saudi Pro League, or retiring if no suitable solution emerges.

The next move will depend on the resolution of that bond. Karim Benzema may negotiate after leaving Al Hilal, but as long as his contract with the Saudi Arabian league remains valid, Olympique de Lyon will have very few options to reignite an operation that they attempted to finalize during the summer.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La "trampa de oro" en la que ha caído Benzema