Benzema set to leave Al Hilal after Martinelli arrival changes his role

Karim Benzema's future has taken a sharp turn in a matter of days. On Thursday, March 20, after the match against Al Feiha, the French striker shut down exit rumors with a clear statement: "I'm staying." Now, however, the situation points in a completely different direction and the 38-year-old looks set to leave Al Hilal.

• Benzema said on Thursday, March 20, that he would continue at Al Hilal.
• Days later, his stance has reportedly changed and he is expected to leave the Saudi club.
• Gabriel Martinelli's arrival would reduce his role in the attacking line.
• He has offers from Al Ittihad and Al Shabab, both in the Saudi Pro League.
• The Frenchman turns 39 in December and does not plan to retire.

Martinelli's signing reshapes Benzema's position at Al Hilal

Gabriel Martinelli's arrival is practically taken for granted, and that move completely alters Benzema's standing in Jorge Jesus' squad. The Brazilian is expected to take on a leading role in the attacking unit, which would inevitably reduce the Frenchman's minutes and influence on the pitch.

At 38, with a well-established reputation in Saudi football, Benzema is reportedly unwilling to accept a secondary role. That loss of prominence is the key factor behind his change of heart less than a week after publicly committing to the club.

Returning to Al Ittihad emerges as the main option

Among the options on the table, a return to Al Ittihad stands out. Benzema played for the Jeddah-based club before joining Al Hilal, and his time there produced strong numbers and a solid connection with the fanbase, alongside top-level teammates in an ambitious project.

That move would allow him to remain at the top of the Saudi Pro League without changing countries or adapting to a new environment. Al Ittihad compete for domestic titles, and Benzema's return would strengthen an attack already packed with quality.

Al Shabab emerges as an alternative in the Saudi league

The second option reportedly available to Benzema is Al Shabab, another Riyadh-based club looking to make a competitive leap. While its financial and sporting power is below that of Al Hilal or Al Ittihad, the project could offer him an unquestioned starring role and the chance to keep scoring in a league he knows well.

No retirement in sight: Benzema wants to keep playing

What seems completely ruled out is retirement. Even though he will turn 39 on December 19, Benzema has no plans to hang up his boots and intends to stay active for at least another season. His performances at Al Hilal, with regular goals and assists, back up that decision.

The French striker continues to show a high competitive level, and his experience remains valuable for any project in Saudi Arabia. A final decision on his next destination could come in the following days, once Martinelli's move to the Riyadh club becomes official.

The Saudi market delivers another high-profile saga

The Benzema case once again highlights the Saudi Pro League's ability to generate major transfer stories. The league has turned its transfer windows into a global showcase, and player movement between its biggest clubs has become common practice in recent years.

Benzema's potential departure from Al Hilal, just months after arriving, fits the pattern of constant rotation among star players. The Saudi transfer market will keep making headlines as world-class footballers decide their next steps in Middle Eastern football.