Al-Shabab Seeks Saudi Pro League Help to Sign Benzema Amid His Refusal

Al-Shabab has formally asked the Saudi Pro League to expedite administrative procedures for Karim Benzema’s potential move from Al-Hilal, according to sources cited by the newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat on Sunday. The Riyadh-based club confirmed its willingness to sign the French forward should his contractual relationship with Al-Hilal end — yet Benzema has strongly opposed the idea of transferring to Al-Shabab.

What Benzema’s Contractual Position Requires

Benzema has informed Al-Hilal that he intends to remain with the club or, alternatively, terminate his contract through mutual agreement — provided he receives all outstanding financial entitlements due through the end of his current deal on 30 June 2027. His direct contract with Al-Hilal guarantees him $25 million annually, and as of September, his remaining salary obligations total approximately $20.8 million — equivalent to roughly 78.1 million Saudi riyals.

The Separate 2030 Agreement and Its Restrictions

Asharq Al-Awsat reported on 25 August that Benzema is also party to a separate, independent agreement valued at $23 million per year, running until 2030. This contract is funded through the Saudi Pro League’s talent attraction program and obligates Benzema to perform promotional duties for Saudi football and related events. Its remaining value, assuming expiry on 30 June 2030, stands at approximately 330.6 million riyals. Crucially, the agreement includes a clause prohibiting Benzema from playing for any club outside Saudi Arabia during its term; any such move would trigger immediate termination of the contract.

Why Domestic Transfer Is the Only Viable Path

This contractual framework means Benzema’s only route to preserving his 2030 agreement while leaving Al-Hilal is a transfer to another club within the Saudi Pro League. However, Al-Shabab’s entry into negotiations has so far met with firm resistance from the player, who remains unwilling to wear the club’s jersey.

Al-Shabab’s Registration Hurdle

Al-Shabab’s ability to complete the signing is not contingent solely on Benzema’s consent. The club must first offload English midfielder Josh Brownhill, aged 30, before it can proceed with the necessary registration steps for Benzema under league regulations.

Rejection of Asian Champions League Registration

Asharq Al-Awsat’s 25 August report also noted Benzema’s refusal to be registered on Al-Hilal’s squad list for the AFC Champions League Elite tournament. His current stance leaves him with narrow options: stay at Al-Hilal, exit by mutual consent with full financial settlement, or join another Saudi club — none of which Al-Shabab has succeeded in achieving despite its formal request to the league and its expressed readiness to sign him.