Why is Cristiano Ronaldo's ex-teammate Karim Benzema's move to Al Hilal in jeopardy?

Karim Benzema's potential switch from Al Ittihad to rivals Al Hilal remains mired in uncertainty as of now, with no deal finalized despite advanced talks.

The 38-year-old French forward, under contract at Al Ittihad until June, has refused to train or play amid a bitter dispute over renewal terms deemed insulting by his camp. Al Hilal leads the Saudi Pro League chase, but Saudi Ministry of Sport and PIF approvals have stalled progress.

Benzema's rift with Al Ittihad deepened after the club tabled a renewal heavy on image rights but light on guaranteed salary, prompting his effective strike action in recent weeks. He has sat out matches and requested exclusion from the squad while pushing for a January exit. Al Ittihad, also PIF-backed, has set

a firm transfer price and stands ready to cash in if terms align.

Al Hilal pursued Benzema aggressively as a short-term addition, potentially 1.5 years, to bolster their title defense, with personal terms reportedly settled late in the window. Yet the intra-PIF move hit roadblocks, as authorities weighed league balance and financials, leaving the transfer in limbo post-deadline.

Cristiano Ronaldo's intervention leading to Karim Benzema uncertainty?

Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly intervened against the deal, citing risks to competitive parity in a league already skewed toward Al Hilal's heavy spending. His protest, framed as a call for fair play among PIF clubs, allegedly slowed approvals and rippled into other transfers.

Oversight from the Saudi Ministry of Sport and PIF underscores the league's centralized control, where marquee shifts between big clubs demand top-level green lights. Concerns over dominance, budgets, and long-term strategy have turned Benzema's case into a flashpoint.

As the dust settles post-window, no official confirmation has solidified Benzema at Al Hilal. He remains tied to Al Ittihad for now, but the saga underscores the volatile dynamics in the Saudi Pro League.