- Al-Hilal want to move Karim Benzema (38) on, with Simone Inzaghi also wishing for the forward to be sold
- Ollie Watkins (30) has approved a move to Al-Hilal, who are in talks with Aston Villa over the England international
- Al-Hilal have agreed personal terms with Pedro Neto (26) and scheduled fresh direct talks with Chelsea this week
Benzema Situation Shapes Al-Hilal’s Recruitment Strategy
Al-Hilal are working on a major reshaping of their attacking options, with Karim Benzema (38) central to the club’s transfer planning. The Saudi club are looking to offload the former France international, a position that also reflects Simone Inzaghi’s wishes. Benzema is also keen to leave Al-Hilal.
The process is not straightforward. The former Real Madrid forward’s contract is financed both by Al-Hilal and by Saudi authorities, meaning any exit is not simply a matter of reaching an agreement between the club and the player. The Saudi Pro League and Saudi authorities are also stakeholders in any potential deal.
🚨🚨 KARIM BENZEMA 🇫🇷 (38 ans) DEVRAIT QUITTER AL-HILAL CET ÉTÉ ET SIGNER LIBRE OÙ IL LE SOUHAITE !!!! 👋
Le club saoudien souhaite s’en séparer et piste déjà de potentiels remplaçants (accord trouvé avec Ollie Watkins 🏴) mais…
CE SERA TRÈS COMPLIQUÉ DE LE FAIRE PARTIR ! 👇… pic.twitter.com/iowZViHbWV
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) August 17, 2026
Benzema wants to depart on a free transfer while also receiving payment for the final year of his contract. That proposal is not the preferred option for Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League or the Saudi authorities.
Watkins Identified as Replacement Option
Al-Hilal have identified Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins (30) as a possible replacement for Benzema. The England international has approved a move to Al-Hilal, and the Saudi club are in talks with Aston Villa over a deal.
However, the Benzema situation remains a major factor. Without clarity over the former Real Madrid striker’s future, the recruitment of Watkins cannot progress fully. Benzema’s departure is therefore a priority for Al-Hilal, even if the wider group of stakeholders involved may not share the same urgency.
Pedro Neto Talks Add Another Dimension
Al-Hilal are also pursuing Chelsea winger Pedro Neto. The club have agreed personal terms with the Portugal winger (26) and have opened club-to-club discussions with Chelsea.
Further direct talks with Chelsea over Neto have been scheduled for this week. A financial proposal has already been sent to the winger and his camp, while Chelsea value Neto at nearly £100m.
Neto started against Real Sociedad on Saturday, while others linked with moves away were completely left out.
Savinho Remains a Strong Alternative
Manchester City winger Savinho is regarded as a strong alternative as Al-Hilal continue to explore attacking reinforcements. With Benzema’s future unresolved, Watkins in discussions and Neto talks progressing, the Saudi club’s next steps appear closely tied to how quickly they can settle the structure of their forward line.
Al-Hilal Transfer Puzzle
| Player | Club | Age | Current Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karim Benzema | Al-Hilal | 38 | Al-Hilal want to offload him, and he wants to leave on a free transfer while being paid the final year of his contract. |
| Ollie Watkins | Aston Villa | 30 | Viewed as a potential Benzema replacement, has approved a move to Al-Hilal, and Al-Hilal are in talks with Aston Villa. |
| Pedro Neto | Chelsea | 26 | Personal terms have been agreed with Al-Hilal, who have opened club-to-club talks with Chelsea and scheduled new direct talks this week. |
| Savinho | Manchester City | 22 | Considered a strong alternative for Al-Hilal. |
