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.

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.

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.