Exclusive to Kooora: the truth about Benzema's return to Al-Ittihad
A source ends the controversy
Reports have swirled in recent days over a possible move for France striker Karim Benzema, with the Al-Hilal forward linked with a return to Al-Ittihad this summer.
Benzema is closing in on a financial settlement with Al-Hilal after both parties hit a dead end. The player failed to submit his credentials in the required manner, and the club also landed England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.
Will Benzema return to Al-Ittihad?
A source inside Al-Ittihad has revealed the truth about Benzema's return to "Koooora", insisting the reports have no basis whatsoever. The club is not even considering the matter.
According to the source, "Al-Ittihad is currently considering signing a new foreign winger after finalising all the details regarding the departure of Frenchman Moussa Diaby to Germany's Bayer Leverkusen".
German coach Jens Wissing, he confirmed, is convinced by his attacking duo of Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri and Nigeria's George Ilenikhena. He intends to lean on the pair in the coming period.
A major shock
Karim Benzema is enduring a difficult spell at Al-Hilal. The Frenchman wanted to stay at the club, but Italian head coach Simone Inzaghi has other ideas.
Benzema hit a dead end with the Al-Ittihad management in January 2026. The club terminated his contract and he moved to Al-Hilal, yet he has failed to hit the form expected of him.
What did Karim Benzema offer?
Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 after the end of his historic journey with Real Madrid. He went on to lead the team to both the league and King's Cup titles during the 2024-2025 season.
Across his time with Al-Ittihad, Benzema featured in 87 matches, scoring 57 goals and providing 14 assists in all domestic and continental competitions, as well as the Arab tournament.
The veteran French striker featured in 16 matches with Al-Hilal, scoring 10 goals and providing 5 assists.
Those numbers look very good on paper. The crisis is that Benzema did not deliver the required level in the big matches where the team needed him.
