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.

Tonight, all eyes in Saudi Arabia will be on the Kingdom Arena, which will host a highly anticipated clash between league leaders Al-Hilal and their arch-rivals Al-Ahli in the "Clásico" of the Saudi Professional League. Al-Hilal enters the match with high morale, aiming to solidify their lead and continue their historic winning streak. However, they face a challenge in the form of some key absences that could impact coach Jorge Jesus's tactical choices.

Although the team boasts a star-studded roster, the most notable and long-term absence is that of Brazilian star Neymar Jr., who continues his rehabilitation program after suffering a torn cruciate ligament. Neymar's absence was a significant blow to the team at the start of the season, but Al-Hilal's squad demonstrated strategic depth and remarkable adaptability, with other stars like Aleksandar Mitrovic, Malcom, and Salem Al-Dawsari stepping up to fill the void he left.

Historical context and the importance of confrontation

The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ahli "Clásico" is one of the most prestigious matches in Saudi football history, with the rivalry between the two teams spanning decades and witnessing unforgettable battles for various domestic and continental titles. Their matches have always been a stage for exceptional individual skills and meticulously crafted tactical plans, making them an event that transcends simply securing three points. For Al-Hilal, a victory would mean taking another step towards clinching the league title early, while Al-Ahli, making a strong return to the top flight, seeks to prove its worth as a genuine contender and inflict the league leaders' first defeat of the season, which would give it a tremendous morale boost in its fight for a top spot and qualification for the AFC Champions League.

The expected impact of El Clásico

The impact of this match extends far beyond the local level, reaching regionally and internationally, especially after the Roshan League gained global attention by attracting world-class stars. The winner of this encounter will not only strengthen their position in the standings but will also send a powerful message to their rivals about their strength and readiness. Coach Jesus is expected to rely on the formidable attacking force of Mitrovic and the midfield support of Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, depending on the solidity of their defense, which is considered the strongest in the league. On the other hand, Al-Ahli possesses a formidable attacking arsenal, spearheaded by Algerian Riyad Mahrez and Brazilian Roberto Firmino, promising an open and exciting match on all fronts.