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Exclusive: the real position on Karim Benzema's possible return to Al-Ittihad has now emerged.

A source has moved to end the debate.

In recent days, speculation has intensified over the future of France striker Karim Benzema, with reports linking the Al-Hilal forward with a return to Al-Ittihad during the summer window.

Benzema is close to reaching a financial settlement with Al-Hilal after talks between the two sides reached a deadlock. The player did not submit his documents in the required way, while the club also completed the signing of England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.

Will Benzema go back to Al-Ittihad?

A source from inside Al-Ittihad told Kooora the truth about the rumours surrounding Benzema's return, stressing that the reports are completely baseless. According to the source, the club is not even discussing such a move.

According to the same source, Al-Ittihad are currently working on signing a new foreign winger after completing all arrangements related to the departure of French player Moussa Diaby to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.

The source added that German coach Jens Wissing is satisfied with his attacking partnership of Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri and Nigeria's George Ilenikhena, and plans to rely on the pair in the period ahead.

A major surprise

Karim Benzema is going through a difficult period at Al-Hilal. The French forward had wanted to remain at the club, but Italian manager Simone Inzaghi sees things differently.

Benzema had reached a dead end with the Al-Ittihad management in January 2026. His contract was terminated by the club and he then joined Al-Hilal, but he has not managed to produce the level that was expected from him.

What did Karim Benzema achieve?

Benzema signed for Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 after bringing his historic spell with Real Madrid to an end. He later captained the side to the Saudi Pro League title and the King's Cup crown in the 2024-2025 season.

During his spell with Al-Ittihad, Benzema played 87 matches, scored 57 goals and registered 14 assists across all domestic and continental competitions, in addition to the Arab tournament.

The experienced French striker then made 16 appearances for Al-Hilal, scoring 10 goals and supplying 5 assists.

On paper, those figures appear very strong. The problem, however, was that Benzema did not produce the required performances in the big matches when the team needed him most.