Karim Benzema rejects limited role as doubts grow over Al Hilal future

French striker Karim Benzema has made clear he will not accept a reduced role at Al Hilal, casting fresh uncertainty over his future with the Saudi Pro League champions ahead of the new Roshn Saudi League season.

British journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Al Hilal have opened talks with the former Real Madrid forward to clarify his position, while the club continue to assess attacking options in the summer transfer market.

According to those reports, Benzema is insisting on being a first-choice starter next season and is unwilling to remain at the club if he is downgraded to a squad player or used primarily from the bench.

Asian-only registration plan rejected

One of the scenarios discussed in Saudi media would see Benzema registered only for the AFC Champions League Elite, without being included in Al Hilal’s domestic league squad.

The 36-year-old is said to be firmly opposed to that idea and has “completely rejected” any plan that would confine him to continental competition while leaving him out of the Roshn Saudi League list.

That stance has complicated Al Hilal’s squad planning as they weigh up how to balance domestic and Asian commitments, foreign player quotas and the composition of their forward line.

Striker search could decide outcome

At the same time, Al Hilal are actively monitoring the striker market and are considering signing a new centre-forward during the current transfer window.

The outcome of that search is expected to be pivotal in determining Benzema’s fate in Riyadh over the coming weeks, with the club’s move for a new No 9 potentially pushing the Frenchman further down the pecking order.

Club officials are understood to be evaluating multiple options before finalising their attacking set-up for the campaign, with Benzema’s role forming a central part of those discussions.

Underwhelming impact since January move

Benzema joined Al Hilal in January, arriving with high expectations after a decorated spell at Real Madrid, but has struggled to fully convince since his move to Saudi Arabia, particularly in high-profile matches.

Despite his presence, Al Hilal were unable to secure either the Roshn Saudi League title or the AFC Champions League Elite trophy last season, falling short in both competitions.

His difficulty in stamping his authority on the biggest games has fuelled debate within Saudi football circles over whether he should remain a focal point of the team or be moved aside to make room for a new attacking leader.

With the new season approaching and negotiations ongoing, Al Hilal must now decide whether to back Benzema as a guaranteed starter or reshape their forward line – a decision that could yet lead to the former France international’s exit if no compromise can be found.