Saudi Pro League Shake-Up: Salah Eyed as Benzema Switches, Ronaldo Fumes
The Saudi Pro League is in the throes of an unprecedented transfer drama, with seismic shifts involving some of football's biggest names. From a shock superstar switch to simmering discontent and high-stakes transfer targets, the league is truly living up to its ambitious billing – and its turbulent nature.
Key Points:
- Karim Benzema sensationally departed Al-Ittihad for rivals Al-Hilal, sparking a major reshuffle.
- Al-Ittihad are reportedly making moves to sign Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah as Benzema's marquee replacement.
- Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly "unhappy" at Al-Nassr, citing perceived bias towards Al-Hilal from the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
- Further player exits, including N'Golo Kante, could deepen the crisis for struggling Al-Ittihad.
Benzema's Bold Leap: Shifting Power in the Saudi Pro League
The football world was stunned by the news that Karim Benzema has left Al-Ittihad to join Al-Hilal. This move sends shockwaves through the Saudi Pro League, as the former Real Madrid superstar, who helped Al-Ittihad to the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League title, now bolsters a direct competitor.
Al-Ittihad has endured a disastrous title defense, languishing in sixth place with a mere 34 points from 19 games. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal, already leading the pack just ahead of Al-Nassr, significantly strengthens their title credentials with the addition of Benzema to a squad that includes stars like Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Malcom.
Salah Saga: Al-Ittihad's Audacious Pursuit
With Benzema's sudden departure, Al-Ittihad is desperately seeking a new talisman. All eyes are now on Mohamed Salah, who has long been linked with a move to the Middle East. Reports suggest that steps are actively being taken to make this audacious transfer a reality.
Sources indicate that Al-Ittihad is closely monitoring Salah's situation, especially as winger Moussa Diaby also reportedly eyes an exit this summer. The club previously had a massive £150 million ($205m) bid for Salah rejected by Liverpool in 2024, with the Egyptian himself admitting discussions were "serious." While the Saudi transfer window is currently closed, expect the pursuit to intensify significantly in the summer.
Ronaldo's Rage: Discontent Brews at Al-Nassr
The drama doesn't stop there. Cristiano Ronaldo, the Saudi Pro League's highest-profile signing, is reportedly growing "disgruntled" at Al-Nassr. Speculation suggests he feels let down by the **PIF**, believing they deliberately engineered Benzema's move to **Al-Hilal** to help their rivals secure the title.
**Ronaldo** himself has not won the league title since his arrival in **2023** and is thought to feel a perceived lack of support from the league's controlling entity. This alleged unhappiness from such a monumental figure highlights the complexities and pressures within the ambitious Saudi football project.
The Domino Effect: More Exits on the Horizon?
Adding to **Al-Ittihad's** woes, **N'Golo Kante's** future hangs in the balance. The France international was a prime target for Turkish side **Fenerbahce** this winter, with a deal reportedly collapsing due to administrative errors. Despite the setback, Kante is still keen on the transfer, even reportedly missing training.
While the Turkish transfer window remains open, **Al-Ittihad** would be unable to sign a replacement, making any potential exit a double blow. This string of events underscores a tumultuous period for **Al-Ittihad** as they navigate a challenging title defense and significant squad upheaval.
