Karim Benzema blocked from Saudi Arabia contract, Lyon return fails

38-year-old striker Karim Benzema terminated his contract with Al Hilal on August 31, but remains under contract with the Saudi Arabian Super League until 2030. This situation prevented Lyon from finalizing his return during the summer transfer window, despite holding talks with his representatives.

Leaving the Saudi club has not given the Frenchman complete freedom to choose his future destination. His ties to Saudi Arabia restrict any movement abroad and it was precisely this obstacle that prevented him from returning to the team where he began his professional career.

Olympique Lyonnais' interest was genuine. Their sporting director, Matthieu Louis-Jean, confirmed on September 7 that the club contacted Benzema through an intermediary during the summer, when they were looking to sign a striker.

Karim Benzema was very close to returning to the famous club

The transfer could not proceed due to the player's contractual situation. Benzema has a deal with the Saudi league until 2030, separate from his contract with Al Hilal, so his departure from the club did not automatically resolve all commitments related to his time in Saudi Arabia.

The striker was also willing to seriously consider a return to Lyon. According to reports in France, he even considered playing for a season without pay to facilitate the transfer, but even that option failed to overcome the contractual hurdle.

Benzema began his professional career at Lyon before signing for Real Madrid in 2009. A return would have completed a cycle 17 years after his departure, although the transfer window closed without a deal.

Saudi Arabia is now conditioning his future

This situation leaves the striker with a very limited market. Although he is officially without a club, his contract with the Saudi league until 2030 makes an immediate transfer to European teams like Lyon difficult.

The scenario opens up three main possibilities: finding a contractual formula that allows him to permanently leave the Saudi squad, joining another team in the Saudi League, or ending his career if a solution he deems appropriate does not emerge.

The next move will depend on resolving these disputes.

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