According to Marca, Al-Hilal has invested 205.87 million euros this summer, spending that could result in Benzema losing his Saudi Pro League registration, with his departure or even retirement now being considered.

On August 21, after Al-Hilal defeated Al-Fayha 3-0, Benzema stated, "I will stay at Al-Hilal." However, the former Real Madrid striker, who joined from Al-Ittihad in February, now appears to have limited time at Kingdom Arena.

Under coach Simone Inzaghi, Al-Hilal has spent 205.87 million euros in the transfer market. In addition to 64.5 million euros paid for Crysencio Summerville and 58.4 million euros for Ollie Watkins, the club will also pay 70 million euros for Gabriel Martinelli.

The club also paid 7.67 million euros for Mohammed Marzouq, 3 million euros for Mohammed Al-Sarnouh, and 2.3 million euros for Sabri Lamouchi. Mohammed Al-Owais and Abdullah Al-Anazi joined as free agents.

The arrivals of Summerville, Watkins, and Martinelli, along with eight existing foreign players—Bounou, Akçiçek, Koulibaly, Théo, Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Bouabré, and Mohamed Méïté—may jeopardize Benzema's eligibility for the Saudi Pro League, limiting him to only AFC Champions League participation.

A solution to this complicated situation may emerge soon. Al-Hilal and Benzema are close to reaching an agreement to terminate his contract early, originally scheduled to run until June 30 next year.

The future of the 38-year-old French striker remains uncertain. As originally envisioned, the former Real Madrid striker's Saudi Pro League contract was set to run until 2030, which could see him join Al-Shabab or return to Al-Ittihad.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has ruled out his return to Europe, including to Lyon, where he rose to fame and has repeatedly expressed a desire to return. Romano emphasized: "Benzema will soon announce his decision on his future, with options including retirement or a move to another Saudi club. He will not return to Europe."

Retirement is also a viable option. If he chooses to hang up his boots, he would leave behind career statistics of 895 appearances, 484 goals, and 205 assists across clubs including Lyon, Real Madrid, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Hilal. Additionally, he earned 97 caps for France, scoring 37 goals. The MLS also cannot be ruled out.

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