You are using our mobile site, click here to use our Desktop view.
Al-Hilal have agreed a settlement with Karim Benzema, paving the way for the French forward to leave the Saudi outfit as Ollie Watkins arrives as his replacement.
According to a report dated August 30, 2026, the club have reached an agreement with Benzema over the terms of his exit, bringing an end to his spell with Al-Hilal. The settlement follows uncertainty over the attacker’s future, with Al Shabab understood to have shown interest in securing his signature.
However, Benzema reportedly refused to depart unless Al-Hilal paid out his contract, a stance that complicated any potential move elsewhere. With a settlement now agreed, the former Real Madrid star is set to move on, while Al-Hilal have already acted to reshape their attacking options.
Watkins joined the club this afternoon and is expected to take Benzema’s place in the squad. His arrival underlines Al-Hilal’s intention to move quickly after resolving the situation with Benzema, ensuring that the team have a new centre-forward option in place as the club prepares for the next stage of the campaign.
Al Shabab’s approach ultimately did not lead to a deal, with Benzema’s contract demands proving central to the outcome. The agreed settlement allows Al-Hilal to close the matter without a prolonged dispute and gives the player the freedom to consider his next step.
For Al-Hilal, the focus will now shift to integrating Watkins following his arrival. The timing of the move suggests the club had planned for a direct replacement, and the England forward’s signing marks the start of a new attacking chapter after Benzema’s departure.
Further details of Benzema’s next destination have not yet been confirmed, but his exit from Al-Hilal is now set after the settlement agreement.
Written by Ketan Patel
Football News stories today