Sports fans in Saudi Arabia, particularly those of Al-Hilal, eagerly await the debut of French star Karim Benzema in the team's lineup for their upcoming match against Al-Akhdoud. This encounter is part of the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League and is expected to draw a large crowd to Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Stadium.

In a decisive tactical move, Italian coach Simone Inzaghi has officially included Karim Benzema in Al-Hilal's squad for this crucial match. This decision comes after the completion of the signing of the veteran French striker on a free transfer from arch-rivals Al-Ittihad, a deal that has generated considerable buzz in local and international sporting circles due to the player's technical ability and impressive track record.

Technical analysis suggests that Inzaghi intends to start Karim Benzema in Al-Hilal's lineup from the first minute, aiming to capitalize on the player's prolific goal-scoring abilities to secure an early victory. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM, and Al-Hilal will be looking to bolster their attacking options with Benzema, whose extensive experience in both European and Saudi Arabian leagues makes him a valuable asset for the Italian coach.

Al-Hilal enters this match with its sights set on three points to compensate for the setback in the previous round, where the team was held to a goalless draw against Al-Ahli in the Saudi Arabian football classic. This draw has increased the importance of the Al-Akhdoud match, as the coaching staff and players aspire to quickly return to winning ways and appease the fans, benefiting from the tremendous morale boost provided by Benzema's return to the team.

This movement in the transfer market and the presence of global names such as Karim Benzema and coaches of the caliber of Inzaghi reflects the tremendous development witnessed by the Saudi Professional League (Roshan League), which has become the focus of the world’s attention thanks to attracting an elite group of the best football stars, which has raised the intensity of competition and the market value of the competition to an unprecedented level.

Al-Ittihad is experiencing a state of intense technical preparation, with the club's coaching staff, led by veteran Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição, putting the final touches on the team's new structure. These rapid moves come in preparation for upcoming domestic and continental competitions, and reflect the club's management's strong desire to maintain technical stability and compensate for the departure of key players, which has left a significant tactical and psychological void within the Jeddah-based team.

The challenge after N'Golo Kanté

Among these complex challenges is filling the enormous void left by the departure of French superstar N'Golo Kanté to Turkish side Fenerbahçe. Kanté was more than just a traditional defensive midfielder for Al-Ittihad; he was the team's "lung" and the linchpin of the midfield, thanks to his exceptional ability to win back possession cleanly, seamlessly link the defense and attack, and orchestrate play from deep with rare tactical intelligence. The departure of a player of Kanté's caliber, a former World Cup and Champions League winner, places immense pressure on the coaching staff to find a replacement of equal skill and intensity in midfield.

Danilo Pereira... Portugal's new gamble

In this context, press sources close to the club reported that the choice fell on Portuguese player Danilo Pereira to fill the void left by Kanté in the midfield position. Conceição is counting on his compatriot Pereira, relying on his extensive international experience and formidable physical capabilities, which enable him to dominate the midfield.

Pereira possesses tactical characteristics that differ slightly from Kanté's, but are highly effective within Conceição's system. He excels at intelligent positioning in front of defenders, dominating aerial and physical duels, and displaying precise passing and playmaking abilities, making him the ideal choice to revitalize Al-Ittihad's midfield. The coach is expected to rely on him as a cornerstone in establishing the team's balance between defense and attack, making him the linchpin of the new project.

Stephen Keller... Restoring Defensive Fortresses

Alongside strengthening the midfield, the coaching staff also focused on bolstering the defense. Press reports confirm that new Cameroonian defender Steven Keller will be a regular starter in the heart of the defense. The coaching staff is heavily relying on Keller's one-on-one abilities and his impressive aerial prowess to provide the team with the necessary solidity.

Keller represents a qualitative addition to the Al-Ittihad defense line, given his physical strength and quick intuition in reading the paths of play and intercepting balls before they reach dangerous areas, which enhances Conceicao’s tactical options and gives him flexibility in changing playing styles according to the course of upcoming matches.

The future of the club and the aspirations of the fans

With the departure of Kanté being compensated for by Pereira's experience and Keller's proven defensive capabilities, Al-Ittihad is striving to establish a solid foundation that will ensure the team's continued fierce competition for top positions in the Saudi Professional League and its steady progress in continental tournaments. This tactical shift and reliance on new players is a long-term investment, as the club hopes to overcome the shock of losing its French star and deliver performances worthy of its history and the aspirations of its vast fan base, who accept nothing less than championship titles.

Spanish CEO of Al-Hilal Saudi Club, Esteve Calzada Vinicius Junior , winger of Real Madrid, during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Calzada's statements and Al-Hilal's official stance

Amidst the growing rumors, Calzada issued a clear statement to the media, denying any direct or indirect negotiations between Al-Hilal's management and the player at present. The CEO affirmed, "In our case at Al-Hilal, there are currently no talks with the player or his club," a statement that temporarily put an end to the speculation that had swept across social media platforms and European newspapers.

However, Calzada displayed remarkable diplomacy and professionalism in discussing the ambitions of the Saudi sports project, indicating that the absence of negotiations from Al-Hilal did not signify a lack of desire on the part of those in charge of the Saudi Professional League to attract the world's best players. He clarified that should an opportunity arise for Vinicius to leave his club, the league would undoubtedly be among the first to express interest in acquiring his services, reflecting the Kingdom's ambitious strategy.

Background of the Saudi sports project and its impact

These rumors cannot be separated from the broader context of the major sporting renaissance underway in Saudi Arabia, supported by the Public Investment Fund. The Saudi league has transformed into a globally attractive destination since the historic transfer of Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr, which paved the way for other stars like Neymar da Silva, who joined Al-Hilal, and Karim Benzema, who joined Al-Ittihad. This immense momentum has made it natural for any international star, regardless of their stature, to be linked with top Saudi clubs.

Vinicius Junior... Real Madrid's gem

Discussions about Vinicius Junior are particularly significant given his exceptional talent. The Brazilian is not just a passing star; he is a cornerstone of Real Madrid's project and a leading contender for the Ballon d'Or. His connection to the Saudi league underscores a qualitative shift in recruitment strategies. Saudi clubs are no longer solely targeting stars nearing the end of their careers, but are now competing with Europe's elite for players at the peak of their technical and physical abilities. This enhances the market value and competitiveness of the Saudi league.

Expected impacts locally and globally

Despite denials of current negotiations, the mere fact that the idea has been floated reflects the growing soft power of Saudi sports. The potential arrival of a player of Vinicius's caliber would represent a significant leap forward in terms of television broadcasting rights, commercial sponsorships, and fan attendance, contributing to the realization of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goal of positioning the Saudi league among the top 10 leagues in the world. All eyes remain on the upcoming summer transfer window to see if Saudi Arabia's interest will translate into a formal offer that could shift the balance of power in global football.