Juventus midfielder Keverin Thuram has reignited speculation about the future of French star Karim Benzema, the current striker for Saudi club Al-Ittihad, with statements hinting that the "Old Lady" would welcome the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner to join their ranks.

In a press statement that attracted global media attention, Thuram said, "Benzema is happy in Saudi Arabia, but if he decides to come, we would be delighted." While the statement appears diplomatic, it carries a clear message that Turin's doors are open to the veteran striker, and that the team's players would welcome him to bolster the club's attacking prowess.

Background to Benzema's move to the Saudi League

This controversy follows Karim Benzema's first season in the Saudi Professional League, which he joined in the summer of 2013 in a record-breaking transfer after a legendary career with Real Madrid. Benzema's move was part of a massive project aimed at elevating the Saudi league's global profile and prestige, placing him alongside superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite showcasing impressive skills and scoring crucial goals, his first season was not without its challenges, and some media reports suggested he hadn't fully adapted, fueling rumors of a possible swift return to European football.

The importance of the potential deal for Juventus and Europe

For Juventus, who are striving to make a strong comeback in the Serie A title race and establish a solid presence in the Champions League, signing a player of Benzema's caliber would be a tremendous strategic boost. Beyond his undeniable goal-scoring prowess, Benzema possesses extensive European experience and a leadership personality that can inspire the team's younger players. Analysts believe his presence in attack will give the Italian side significant technical and tactical weight, especially in crucial matches that demand experience and decisiveness.

On the European stage, Benzema's return to the continent via a prestigious club like Juventus would be a major sporting and media event. Such a move, if it materializes, would bolster the appeal of Serie A, which is striving to reclaim its place among the top leagues. As for the Saudi Professional League, the departure of a star of Benzema's caliber after just one season could represent a symbolic blow to its ambitious project, even though the league still boasts numerous international stars. While no official negotiations have yet surfaced, Thuram's comments put the ball in Benzema's court, leaving football fans eagerly awaiting his future decision.

German coach Matthias Jäissle, the technical director of Al-Ahli's first football team, stressed the importance and difficulty of the upcoming match against Al-Ettifaq in the 19th round of the Saudi Professional League, noting that the technical staff needs some time to assess the technical and physical condition of all the players before making the final decision regarding the list of eight foreign players who will play in the match.

Background to the confrontation and Al Ahly's ambitions

This match comes amidst an exceptional season for the Saudi Professional League, which has witnessed a qualitative leap thanks to significant investments that have attracted international stars. Al-Ahli, recently promoted back to the top flight, is one of the most prominent clubs to have benefited from this support, bolstering its squad with top-class players such as Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Franck Kessié, Édouard Mendy, and Gabri Vega. This massive investment has placed a heavy responsibility on the team and its coaching staff to compete fiercely for top positions and secure a place in Asian competitions, making every match, especially against well-organized teams like Al-Ettifaq, a true test of the team's ambitions.

Positive confusion and the coach's statements

During the press conference held at the club's headquarters, Yassle explained that "Al-Ettifaq is a very advanced team that delivers outstanding technical performances," which necessitates Al-Ahli's best possible preparation. He added, "We need some time to select the right foreign player for this match." These statements reflect what is known as "positive uncertainty," as the coach has a squad brimming with foreign stars, giving him multiple tactical options but presenting him with the challenge of choosing the optimal combination. He continued, "The performance of our foreign players gives me great confidence, and we have enough time to finalize the selection of the eight foreign players," confirming that Brazilian player Galinho is ready to participate.

The importance of the match and its expected impact

The match holds immense importance domestically, as a victory for Al-Ahli would solidify their position in the top four and keep the pressure on the league leaders. Regionally and internationally, the encounter showcases the strength of the Saudi league and its ability to attract world-class coaches like Yassla and Steven Gerrard (coach of Al-Ettifaq), thus enhancing the competition's prestige and increasing its global reach. Tactical decisions regarding the selection of foreign players in such matches are under intense scrutiny, as they directly impact the outcome and the league's international reputation.

Team management and the winter transfer market

Regarding the exclusion of young Frenchman Valentin Atangana in the previous match, Yassle explained: “Atangana has participated in many matches this season. He is a young player and needs rest to maximize his potential,” demonstrating his long-term vision in managing the team and maintaining the readiness of his players. He concluded with a glimpse into the future, stating when asked about replacements for Mohammed Sulaiman and Zakaria Hawsawi: “It would be foolish to answer questions about replacements for Sulaiman or Zakaria. The winter transfer window is still open, and anything is possible,” leaving the door open for potential reinforcements before the transfer period closes. In closing, Yassle emphasized the importance of fan support, saying: “We are counting on the support of our fans in this match.”.

Cycling enthusiasts around the world are turning their attention to the historic Al-Ula region in Saudi Arabia, where the sixth edition of the Tour of Al-Ula kicks off tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27, 2026. This prestigious sporting event will continue until Saturday, January 31, featuring a selection of top international professional teams alongside the Saudi national cycling team, promising five days of intense competition.

Background and development of the race

The AlUla Tour, initially known as the "Saudi Tour," was not a coincidence, but rather the product of an ambitious sporting strategy aimed at placing the Kingdom on the global sporting map. Launched in 2020, the race quickly gained international renown thanks to its professional organization, a collaborative effort between the Saudi Cycling Federation, the Royal Commission for AlUla, and the renowned French organization ASO, the same organization behind the world's most prestigious cycling race, the Tour de France. This partnership ensured the event met the highest standards of quality and organization, attracting some of the biggest names in the cycling world.

Strategic importance and expected impact

The race holds immense significance beyond its status as a mere sporting competition. It represents a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and bolster the tourism, sports, and entertainment sectors. By hosting this event, the Kingdom is showcasing the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of AlUla, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra (Madain Saleh). The race is expected to raise global awareness of AlUla as a unique tourist destination, attract more visitors, and stimulate local investment. From a sporting perspective, the event offers Saudi cyclists a valuable opportunity to gain international experience and enhance their skills.

International promotion and a challenging career path

This edition witnessed a significant leap forward with the organizing committee's announcement of the Tour of AlUla's upgrade to Category 2 (UCI ProSeries – 2.Pro), placing it among the second most important categories for professional cycling races globally, after the Grand Tours. This upgrade enhances the race's prestige and attracts stronger teams and top-tier riders seeking to accumulate crucial ranking points at the start of the season. The total race route spans 800 kilometers, divided into five stages with varying terrains, as follows:

• The first stage: It starts from the camel racing track for a distance of 158 km, and it is a stage suitable for high speeds.
• Phase Two: It starts from Al-Mansheya train station and extends for a distance of 152 km.
• The third stage: It starts from the winter park and goes to Bir Jida, Jabal Wirka, for a distance of 142 km.
• Phase Four: This is the longest, extending for a distance of 184 km from the Winter Park to the historic Al-Hijr area.
• The fifth and decisive stage: It starts from the old town of Al-Ula and ends at the high overlook of Harrat Awairid, for a distance of 164 km, where this mountainous stage is expected to determine the winner of the title.

Thus, the AlUla Tour 2026 embodies a unique blend of sporting challenge, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, affirming the Kingdom’s ability to host and organize the largest global sporting events to the highest standards.