Karim Benzema could make surprise transfer as forward goes on strike in Saudi Arabia

Saudi dealmakers are considering a surprise transfer that would see Karim Benzema move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal, talkSPORT understands.

The potential transfer is being driven by PIF executives and central league figures rather than the clubs themselves.

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It is unclear whether the potential move will materialise this winter.

Former Ballon d’Or winner Benzema is currently refusing to play for Al Ittihad after new contract talks have failed to yield a breakthrough.

He is also believed to be training on his own after taking himself out of the first-team squad.

Benzema made the move to the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in 2023 after running his deal down at Real Madrid.

The 38-year-old is a free agent this summer, but is open to remaining in Saudi on the right terms.

The French striker is understood to be disappointed by the terms offered to him to extend at Al Ittihad.

That is despite club officials insisting the fallout is a ‘misunderstanding’.

Al Hilal already have Darwin Nunez and Marcos Leonardo on their books, but the latter is subject of interest from Atletico Madrid.

Any move for Benzema would potentially allow the fellow PIF-controlled club to offer more lucrative terms to satisfy Benzema to stay in Saudi Arabia.

Benzema is so incensed over the breakdown in contract talks at Al Ittihad that he has missed the club’s last two Saudi Pro League matches.

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He was absent for the 2-2 draw with Al Fateh midweek due to his ongoing dispute.

And he was once again left out for Sunday’s home clash against bottom of the table Al Najma.

Commenting on his absence, Al Ittihad boss Sergio Conceicao declared that club chiefs must explain his current situation.

Queried why Benzema didn’t play against Al Fateh, he said: “You should go to the management with those questions.

“I’m only here to train the players, officiate matches, and win trophies.

“Karim is a fantastic professional.

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“He’s a fantastic player who scored 13 goals in 17 matches under my guidance. I’m proud to be his manager.”

Benzema is his side’s top scorer this season having banged in 16 goals from 21 games in all competitions.

Last campaign he inspired Al Ittihad to the Saudi Pro League and King’s Cup double.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney scored more than Benzema’s 21 league goals, while he netted four times in the cup – with two of his strikes coming in the 3-1 final win over Al Qadsah.

His dazzling displays saw him crowned as the Saudi Pro League Player of the Season.