French striker Karim Benzema has told Al Hilal he will not accept being used only in elite Asian competition as discussions continue over his role ahead of the new Saudi Pro League season, according to reports.
British journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Al Hilal’s hierarchy have opened talks with the 36-year-old to clarify his position, while the club simultaneously assess attacking options in the summer transfer window.
Benzema is said to be insisting on a guaranteed starting role in the team and is unwilling to stay if he is removed from the core plans of the coaching staff or reduced to a back-up option next season.
The former Real Madrid forward is reported to have rejected outright a scenario circulated in sections of the Saudi media, under which he would be registered only for the top-tier AFC Champions League Elite, but left out of Al Hilal’s domestic squad list.
Al Hilal weighing up new striker move
At the same time, Al Hilal are continuing to monitor the striker market and are considering signing a new centre-forward during the current window.
That potential recruitment is viewed as a key factor that could ultimately determine Benzema’s fate with the Riyadh club over the coming weeks, with his place in the squad likely to be influenced by any major attacking arrival.
Background to Benzema’s Al Hilal spell
Benzema joined Al Hilal in January but has so far struggled to fully convince, particularly in major fixtures, the reports add.
Despite his presence in attack, Al Hilal were unable to secure either the Saudi Pro League title, known as the دوري روشن للمحترفين (Roshn Saudi League), or the AFC Champions League Elite crown last season.
Those near-misses, combined with Benzema’s underwhelming impact in the biggest matches, have contributed to the uncertainty surrounding his role as the club reshape their squad for the new campaign.
The current discussions between player and club, and Al Hilal’s active search for a potential new striker, are expected to play a decisive part in whether the Frenchman remains with “الزعيم” (Al-Za’eem) under the terms he wants, or whether both sides move towards separation before the new season begins.
