Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly blocked a potential move for Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal this winter. This has also reportedly led to two other transfers being in jeaopardy.
On Sunday, journalist Patrick Berger reported that Karim Benzema is set to join Al-Hilal from Al-Ittihad. However, on Monday, he reported that the move could collapse, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
Thanks for the submission!
“Everything is now completely open! Karim Benzema’s deal to Al Hilal is on the verge of collapsing. Crazy situation in”
Meanwhile, journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu reported that the reason for this potential collapse is Cristiano Ronaldo. He has now reported that this could also lead to two other transfers being affected. He has claimed that N’Golo Kante move’s to Fenerbahce and Youssef En-Nesyri’s move to Al-Ittihad will also collapse, writing on X:
“Cristiano Ronaldo’s intervention in Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal transfer has caused [N’Golo] Kanté to be unable to sign with Fenerbahçe yet, while [Youssef] En-Nesyri has been unable to join Al-Ittihad. The clubs have finalized the agreements and submitted them to the Saudi Pro League; official signatures are on hold pending approval!”
Benzema joined Al-Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid in 2023. He has scored 54 goals and provided 17 assists in 83 games for them, winning the league title last season. His contract with them is set to expire this summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo blocks Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Hilal: Reports
A report from A Bola claims that Cristiano Ronaldo is unhappy at Al-Nassr and is refusing to play for them. Having joined them in January 2023, the Portuguese legend has failed to win a major trophy with them. Hence, he is reportedly unhappy with the club’s board for the inability to strengthen the side.
Amidst this, journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu has reported that Ronaldo is blocking Benzema’s move to Al-Hilal due to competitive concerns. He posted on X:
“Cristiano Ronaldo is opposing Karim Benzema’s transfer to Al-Hilal on the grounds that it would ‘damage the fair competition environment’. Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Benzema’s representative and the Saudi Pro League management are continuing their discussions to resolve the issue.”
As per A Bola‘s report, Ronaldo reluctantly signed a new contract last year and was hopeful of more ambition from the board. However, it hasn’t materialized yet. Meanwhile, he isn’t in Al-Nassr’s squad for their Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Riyadh on Monday.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United in January 2023. He has scored 111 goals and provided 22 assists in 127 games for them. His contract with the Knights of Njad will expire next summer.
Edited by Aditya Singh
