In a surprising development that could shift the balance of power in the Saudi Professional League, press reports have revealed advanced negotiations between Al-Hilal and French star Karim Benzema. This comes amidst the escalating crisis between the player and the management of his current club, Al-Ittihad, potentially opening the door to a historic transfer that could reshape the competitive landscape in the Kingdom.

According to reliable Spanish journalist Felix Diaz, via his account on the X platform, Al-Hilal wants to sign Karim Benzema before the winter transfer window closes. He added that the player is "one step away from leaving Al-Ittihad Jeddah by mutually terminating his contract." This news has intensified speculation after Benzema requested to be excluded from the squad for the match against Al-Najma, a move interpreted by the media as a clear indication of his desire to leave.

Background to the deal and the escalating crisis

Karim Benzema's move to Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 was a sensational transfer. He arrived in Jeddah as the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, having won the award for the world's best player after a legendary career with Real Madrid. His transfer was part of the ambitious Saudi Public Investment Fund's project to attract top global stars to the Roshan League and raise the level of competition and global influence of Saudi football. However, things didn't go as planned. Benzema's time with Al-Ittihad was fraught with challenges, including criticism of his performances, which fell short of fans' expectations, and reports of disagreements with successive coaching staff, leading to a strained relationship with club officials.

Importance and expected impact of the deal

Benzema’s potential move to Al-Hilal, the traditional rival of Al-Ittihad, is not just an ordinary deal, but is considered a football earthquake in Saudi stadiums.

• On the domestic front, this transfer will significantly bolster the ranks of league leaders Al-Hilal, while dealing a major blow to Al-Ittihad's ambitions and those of its fans. It will also ignite the "Saudi Clasico" between the two teams to unprecedented levels of competitiveness and anticipation.
• At both the regional and international levels, this crisis highlights the complex dynamics within the Saudi Professional League. While the league succeeds in attracting the biggest names, it faces challenges in managing these stars and maintaining team stability. The transfer of a player of Benzema's stature between two major clubs in the same league would become a global media sensation, confirming that the excitement in Saudi football is no longer confined to the pitch but extends to the dramatic behind-the-scenes world of the transfer market.

With the transfer window nearing its close, Saudi and international football fans eagerly await the outcome of the next few hours. Will Karim Benzema don the blue jersey of Al-Hilal in a historic move, or will the crisis be resolved and he remain with Al-Ittihad? The next few days will provide the definitive answer to the future of one of the world's most prominent football stars.

His Excellency Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced a historic achievement in the world of boxing, setting a new attendance record at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York. The number of attendees exceeded 21,000 for the "Ring 6" fight, the highest figure ever recorded at the venue since its opening in its current form in 1968, making this night one of the most attended boxing nights in modern New York history.

Historical context: Madison Square Garden, the "boxing kiss"

The magnitude of this achievement cannot be grasped without understanding the symbolic significance of Madison Square Garden, nicknamed "The Mecca of Boxing." For decades, this arena has been the stage for some of the greatest fights in the sport's history, most notably the "Fight of the Century" between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1971. The arena is also associated with legends like Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Mike Tyson. Therefore, breaking a record at this historic venue is not merely an organizational success, but a new chapter in the annals of the world's most prestigious boxing venues.

Saudi influence spans continents

This success is part of a broader Saudi strategy to solidify the Kingdom's position as a leading force in organizing global sporting and entertainment events, a strategy clearly demonstrated by the Riyadh Season events. However, this event marks a significant leap forward, as Saudi organizational influence has extended from Riyadh to the heart of New York, in collaboration with prominent partners such as The Ring magazine and Sila. This achievement demonstrates the capability of Saudi talent and companies to organize world-class events beyond their borders and reinforces their reputation as a key player in the international sports industry.

The importance of the event and its expected impact

Locally in New York, this event revitalized boxing in the city, confirming that public passion remains strong and vibrant when a high-quality sporting event is offered. Regionally and internationally, this record-breaking turnout underscores the pivotal role Saudi Arabia plays in reshaping the global boxing landscape. The Kingdom is no longer merely a host of major fights; it has become a strategic partner and a source of organizational expertise capable of achieving unprecedented success anywhere in the world. The main event, featuring American star Shakur Stevenson against his opponent Teofimo Lopez, garnered widespread media and public attention and played a crucial role in achieving this historic attendance.

This figure takes on added significance given the arena's architectural design, which, specifically tailored for boxing, imposes capacity limitations compared to other events. Therefore, exceeding 21,000 spectators is an exceptional testament to the organizational and popular success of the night that rewrote history at Madison Square Garden.

Al-Ahli is preparing for a high-stakes match against its traditional rival, Al-Hilal, in the Saudi Professional League's top fixture, known as the "Saudi Clasico." German coach Matthias Jäissle has decided to bolster the team's ranks by bringing back three of its key players to the starting lineup, giving the team a significant morale and tactical boost before this highly anticipated encounter at the Kingdom Arena.

Historical background and importance of the confrontation

The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Hilal match is considered a classic of Saudi football, attracting a massive following both locally and across the Arab world. This fixture represents more than just three points; it embodies a historic struggle for supremacy and a fierce rivalry between two of the largest fan bases in the Kingdom. In the current season, the match takes on added significance. Al-Hilal aims to maintain its dominance at the top of the table, while Al-Ahli, having made a strong return to the top flight, aspires to secure a place in the top four and compete for a spot in the AFC Champions League. This makes the outcome of the derby crucial in determining the trajectory of both teams' ambitions.

A triple return to bolster the ranks of “Al-Raed”

The changes Yassle intends to implement include the return of several key players to the squad. Leading the list of returnees is Turkish international defender Merih Demiral , who has fully recovered from the injury that recently sidelined him. Demiral is a crucial defensive rock with his extensive European experience, and his return will provide added solidity to the back line against Al-Hilal's potent attack. In addition, the team welcomes back full-backs Ali Majrashi and Zakaria Hawsawi after their suspensions. The return of this duo is vital for restoring balance to both the defensive and attacking flanks, as they possess speed and the ability to support the midfield and attacking stars.

Expected impact on team performance

With their defense at full strength, Al-Ahli enters the match with greater confidence, allowing their midfield and attacking stars, such as Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Franck Kessié, to focus on playmaking and penetrating the opponent's defense. This defensive stability is expected to give coach Jacek greater tactical flexibility to devise the right plan to neutralize Al-Hilal's key players and exploit their weaknesses. Al-Ahli fans are hoping this triple comeback will translate into a strong performance worthy of the derby and a positive result that will solidify their position in the league standings.