English Premier League
Trabzonspor explore move for Karim Benzema amid Mohamed Salah link
Trabzonspor have opened discussions about signing Al-Hilal striker Karim Benzema this summer, according to Turkish reports, with the move potentially bringing the Frenchman together with Mohamed Salah in attack.
Benzema’s future at Al-Hilal remains uncertain, as several reports have suggested the Saudi Pro League club could terminate his contract before the current summer transfer window closes.
The Saudi club are also looking to recruit another striker at the request of manager Simone Inzaghi. Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen have all been mentioned as possible targets.
Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu reported on X that Trabzonspor had asked about the conditions required to sign Benzema.
“Trabzonspor, Al-Hilal forması giyen Karim Benzema’nın sartlarını sordu!”
The report said Trabzonspor have yet to reach an agreement with Al-Hilal over Darwin Nunez. However, the Turkish club could now turn their attention to Benzema after the former France international was offered to them and talks began.
“Trabzonspor, Al-Hilal ile yaptıgı gorusmelerde henuz anlasmaya varamadı. Surec devam ederken Karim Benzema, Trabzonspor’a onerildi ve Fransız yıldızla eszamanlı gorusmeler basladı!”
The claims indicate that discussions with Al-Hilal over Nunez are still ongoing, but no agreement has been reached. Benzema’s availability has therefore emerged as an alternative option for Trabzonspor, with negotiations involving the player taking place at the same time.
Benzema joined Al-Hilal during the January transfer window after terminating his contract with Al-Ittihad. He was unable to win the Roshn Saudi League title with Al-Hilal last season.
His position at the club has since become the subject of growing speculation, particularly as Al-Hilal consider strengthening their attack. Inzaghi’s interest in adding a new forward has increased uncertainty around the 38-year-old’s immediate future.
For Trabzonspor, a move for Benzema would represent a major attacking addition, although the reports make clear that no agreement has yet been completed with either Al-Hilal or the player.
The possible transfer has also been linked to Salah in the original reports, which raise the prospect of the two high-profile forwards featuring together for Trabzonspor. No agreement involving Salah is given in the report, and the focus of the current discussions is Benzema.
Benzema left Al-Ittihad for Al-Hilal in January after ending his previous contract. Despite his move to the Saudi club, he did not finish last season as a Roshn Saudi League champion.
The situation is expected to depend partly on Al-Hilal’s pursuit of a replacement striker and on whether Trabzonspor can make progress in their negotiations. For now, talks over Nunez remain unresolved, while Benzema has become a new possibility for the Turkish club.
