Karim Benzema’s possible return to Al-Ittihad is being discussed again, but a reunion between the French striker and the Saudi club faces several significant obstacles.
The 38-year-old could leave Al-Hilal during the current summer transfer window after the club considered changes to its foreign-player registration.
Al-Hilal are considering reaching a financial agreement with Benzema if he refuses to be left out of the eight foreign players registered for the Saudi League. The alternative would be to restrict him to the AFC Champions League Elite, allowing the club to register new striker Ollie Watkins for domestic competition.
Benzema joined Al-Hilal in February after unexpectedly ending his contract with Al-Ittihad. His agreement with Al-Hilal runs until 30 June 2027.
However, his time with the club has not produced the level of support expected from supporters. Al-Hilal fans have called for a younger foreign centre-forward to be brought in this summer.
Benzema now faces several possible outcomes. He could remain at Al-Hilal and accept registration as an Asian competition player, agree to terminate his contract and move to another Saudi club, or leave the country altogether.
The latter option could come at a considerable financial cost because the remaining value of his contract is reported to exceed 330m Saudi Riyals.
Amid that uncertainty, Al-Ittihad has emerged as a possible destination. Yet returning to the club where he previously played would be far from simple.
1. Al-Ittihad fans could oppose his return
One of the biggest problems is the reaction Benzema could receive from Al-Ittihad supporters.
The Frenchman left the club midway through last season before moving directly to local rivals Al-Hilal. His departure came at a sensitive point in the campaign, and some supporters were unhappy with the decision.
That history could make a second spell controversial.
Al-Ittihad do have an issue in the centre-forward position, which could strengthen the argument for bringing Benzema back. But the reaction from supporters could make the move difficult if the club formally considers it.
2. His age raises questions
Benzema’s age is another concern.
At 38, the former Al-Ittihad striker does not necessarily fit the profile of the long-term foreign forward the club may want to build around.
The comparison with Watkins is particularly relevant. Al-Hilal’s pursuit of the younger English striker reflects a desire for greater continuity in attack.
Benzema’s injury problems and declining performances during his final period with Al-Ittihad could also make the club cautious about relying on him again as its main striker.
3. Benzema wants to stay at Al-Hilal
The player’s own preference could prove decisive.
Current indications suggest Benzema would like to remain at Al-Hilal, even though he does not want to be restricted to appearances in the AFC Champions League Elite.
That means the fact Al-Ittihad has emerged as a possible destination does not necessarily indicate that Benzema wants to return.
The Frenchman reportedly intends to keep the option of remaining with Al-Hilal open until the final stages of the summer registration period.
4. His reported demands could be difficult to meet
There are also reportedly conditions attached to any potential return to Al-Ittihad.
Benzema is said to want French winger Moussa Diaby to remain at the club and for at least three new players to be signed.
Meeting those demands could prove difficult given Al-Ittihad’s current position in the transfer market.
Diaby is pushing for a move to Bayer Leverkusen before the summer window closes, while Al-Ittihad are already working on recruitment according to their technical requirements.
The uncertainty surrounding Diaby therefore adds another complication to any possible Benzema comeback.
5. The financial implications
Money could ultimately be the most difficult issue to resolve.
Benzema’s current contract carries a substantial financial value, with more than 330m Saudi Riyals reportedly remaining on the agreement.
Whether the two sides terminate the existing relationship or negotiate a new contract, Al-Ittihad would need to consider the financial consequences.
Any agreement would have to balance the cost of bringing Benzema back against the club’s sporting requirements and the overall value of the player to the squad.
For now, the coaching staff, led by German coach Jens Wissing, are relying on Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri and Nigerian forward George in attack at the start of the new season.
That gives Al-Ittihad existing options while the club assesses its needs.
Benzema’s name may once again be connected with the Jeddah-based side, but a return would require several pieces to fall into place. The supporters’ reaction, his age, his preference for staying at Al-Hilal, his reported conditions and the financial implications all stand between the Frenchman and a second spell with “The Tigers of Jeddah”.
