Karim Benzema's Future: Next Moves Before Summer Window Closes

Karim Benzema is edging towards the Al-Hilal exit door before the summer window closes, yet his next move remains wide open. The only certainty is that his career is not done. Not yet.

Potential Paths

Three paths lie in front of the veteran France striker. The most realistic: staying in Saudi Arabia with another Pro League club, or crossing the Atlantic for a late-career chapter in the United States. Europe, for now, is off the table.

Spanish outlet "AS" report that Benzema is seriously considering remaining in Saudi Arabia. That could mean a return to familiar ground at Al-Ittihad, whose shirt he has already worn, or a fresh start at Al-Shabab in the coming weeks. Both options keep him in a league that has invested heavily in his status and profile.

His time at Al-Hilal, though, looks close to over. The 38-year-old only arrived in the last winter window, but the project has shifted quickly. Club management are already in talks to terminate his contract before deadline day, clearing the way for a swift resolution once he makes his choice.

Future Considerations

The big question is whether this is the beginning of the end. Benzema is not ready to walk away. "AS" state that the Frenchman has no plans to retire, while "Marca" leave the door slightly ajar, suggesting that retirement has not been completely ruled out. Every scenario is on the table, from one last adventure to the final curtain.

What seems almost certain is that a romantic European return will not happen now. Fabrizio Romano reports that Benzema has ruled out going back to European football at this stage, a stance that effectively kills off the prospect of an emotional move to Lyon, the club that launched his career and has been strongly linked with him in recent months.

Narrowing Options

With Europe sidelined, the picture narrows. Staying in Saudi Arabia remains the most straightforward solution. The alternative that truly stands out is a move to the American league, a destination that continues to attract ageing stars looking for a new market, a new lifestyle and a softer landing at the back end of their careers.

There is also noise from elsewhere. Reports continue to float the idea of a spell in the Scottish league, another left-field possibility in a market that rarely sees a player of Benzema’s profile.

The clock is ticking on the window. Benzema has choices, leverage and time, but not much of it. Where does a Ballon d’Or winner decide to write his final chapters?