Karim Benzema weighs Saudi stay over €78.8m contract

Karim Benzema has a major financial reason to remain in Saudi Arabia, even if his future with Al-Hilal changes. Leaving the country this summer would end a separate contract with the Saudi Pro League’s recruitment programme and cost the French forward the remaining value, estimated at €78.8 million.

Benzema is tied to Al-Hilal until 30 June 2027, with €17.8m still payable under that agreement. The additional programme contract is worth about €19.7m per year and runs until 2030. Al-Hilal does not carry that second deal, but Benzema’s departure from Saudi Arabia would terminate it immediately.

The figures come as Al-Hilal considers its options only months after signing the 38-year-old. A unilateral termination has been valued at €22m, with club owner Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal reported to be ready to cover that amount. Other assessments indicate the club is discussing Benzema’s future but is not firmly committed to ending the relationship.

Any separation would therefore require negotiations rather than a straightforward dismissal. Benzema has rejected the idea that he is leaving and said he intends to continue with the team. He has scored 10 goals and supplied five assists in 16 appearances for Al-Hilal.