Al-Ittihad have no plans to bring Karim Benzema back to the club this summer, despite reports suggesting the former France striker could leave Al-Hilal during the current transfer window.
A source inside Al-Ittihad told Kooora that there was no truth to the speculation and said the club were not considering a move for Benzema.
The 38-year-old is reportedly close to reaching a financial settlement with Al-Hilal after relations between the player and club broke down. Benzema has struggled to produce the performances expected of him since joining the Saudi Pro League side, while Al-Hilal have strengthened their attack with the signing of England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.
The source said Al-Ittihad’s current priority was to recruit a new foreign winger once all the details of Moussa Diaby’s move to German club Bayer Leverkusen had been completed.
“Al-Ittihad are currently considering signing a new foreign winger after completing all the details surrounding the departure of the Frenchman Moussa Diaby to German club Bayer Leverkusen,” the source said.
Al-Ittihad head coach Jens Vising is understood to be satisfied with the attacking options already available to him. The German manager is convinced by the ability of Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri and Nigeria forward George Ilenikhena and intends to rely on the pair in the coming period.
Benzema is experiencing a difficult spell at Al-Hilal, despite reportedly wanting to remain with the club. However, head coach Simone Inzaghi does not want the striker to continue as part of his plans.
The latest uncertainty follows a turbulent period between Benzema and Al-Ittihad. The player reached an impasse with the club’s management in January 2026, after which his contract was terminated and he moved to Al-Hilal. He has since failed to match the level of performance expected from him.
Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 after ending his historic spell with Real Madrid. During the 2024-25 season, he helped the club win both the Saudi Pro League title and the King’s Cup.
Across all domestic and continental competitions, as well as the Arab Club Championship, Benzema made 87 appearances for Al-Ittihad. He scored 57 goals and provided 14 assists during his time at the club.
His record at Al-Hilal has also been statistically strong. The veteran striker has played 16 matches for the club, scoring 10 goals and supplying five assists.
However, while those figures appear impressive, the main concern surrounding Benzema has been his failure to deliver the required level in the major matches when Al-Hilal have needed him most. That issue, together with Inzaghi’s apparent reluctance to retain him, has left the striker’s future uncertain.
For now, Al-Ittihad appear focused on reshaping their wide attacking options rather than pursuing a reunion with the player who led them to domestic success after arriving from Real Madrid.
