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Karim Benzema Transfer from Al Hilal to Olympique Lyonnais
OL sporting director Matthieu Louis-Jean stated at a press conference that there was contact with an intermediary regarding Karim Benzema this summer, but it did not go further due to the player's contractual situation. According to 'RMC', Benzema earns an amount in the dozens of millions of euros annually in his ambassadorial role with the Saudi Pro League, which would be lost if he left the league. Lyon club sources, cited by the media company, stated that the idea of bringing him back was dismissed almost immediately, describing it as economically unthinkable and sportingly unfeasible.
OL sporting director Matthieu Louis-Jean stated at a press conference that there was contact with an intermediary regarding Karim Benzema this summer, but it did not go further due to the player's contractual situation. According to 'RMC', Benzema earns an amount in the dozens of millions of euros annually in his ambassadorial role with the Saudi Pro League, which would be lost if he left the league. Lyon club sources, cited by the media company, stated that the idea of bringing him back was dismissed almost immediately, describing it as economically unthinkable and sportingly unfeasible.
Karim Benzema was linked with a possible return to Lione, and according to rumors, would have accepted a return for a salary that was almost zero due to his affection for the club. The sporting director of Lione stated that this was not the case, and that they wanted someone like Openda.
Karim Benzema was linked with a possible return to Lione, and according to rumors, would have accepted a return for a salary that was almost zero due to his affection for the club. The sporting director of Lione stated that this was not the case, and that they wanted someone like Openda.
Matthieu Louis-Jean, the sporting director of Olympique Lyonnais, confirmed there were contacts through an intermediary this summer for a return of Karim Benzema to his formative club. Louis-Jean stated that in his view, it was unfeasible because the player's contractual situation prevented it. He added that Benzema is a great player, that the contact happened during a period when the club was looking for a striker, and that it could not proceed further. The operation did not take place due to the contract that the French player has with the Saudi league until 2030, despite his departure from Al-Hilal.
Matthieu Louis-Jean, the sporting director of Olympique Lyonnais, confirmed there were contacts through an intermediary this summer for a return of Karim Benzema to his formative club. Louis-Jean stated that in his view, it was unfeasible because the player's contractual situation prevented it. He added that Benzema is a great player, that the contact happened during a period when the club was looking for a striker, and that it could not proceed further. The operation did not take place due to the contract that the French player has with the Saudi league until 2030, despite his departure from Al-Hilal.
Karim Benzema's contract with Al Hilal was mutually terminated a week ago, and he received the full amount owed for the remaining season. Benzema is an ambassador of the Saudi league until 2030. According to L'Equipe, this contract currently prevents him from signing for a club in another country. Benzema wants to honor this contract, making a continuation of his career in Europe very complicated. L'Equipe states that retirement is becoming an increasingly likely option for Benzema. Benzema trained individually this summer expecting to play another season, but currently has no new club after his contract termination with Al Hilal.
Karim Benzema's contract with Al Hilal was mutually terminated a week ago, and he received the full amount owed for the remaining season. Benzema is an ambassador of the Saudi league until 2030. According to L'Equipe, this contract currently prevents him from signing for a club in another country. Benzema wants to honor this contract, making a continuation of his career in Europe very complicated. L'Equipe states that retirement is becoming an increasingly likely option for Benzema. Benzema trained individually this summer expecting to play another season, but currently has no new club after his contract termination with Al Hilal.
According to L'Equipe, Olympique Lyonnais seriously considered bringing Karim Benzema back during the last summer transfer window. Benzema was described as enthusiastic about the idea of returning to his formative club and was prepared to return for a season without payment. At that time, Benzema had not yet been released by Al-Hilal. Currently without a team, Benzema remains blocked by his role as ambassador for the Saudi champion until 2030, and a return to Lyon is therefore not expected to happen.
According to L'Equipe, Olympique Lyonnais seriously considered bringing Karim Benzema back during the last summer transfer window. Benzema was described as enthusiastic about the idea of returning to his formative club and was prepared to return for a season without payment. At that time, Benzema had not yet been released by Al-Hilal. Currently without a team, Benzema remains blocked by his role as ambassador for the Saudi champion until 2030, and a return to Lyon is therefore not expected to happen.
During an Instagram live session with his friend, the rapper Roff, Al-Hilal's 38-year-old French attacker Karim Benzema stated that he will never return to Olympique Lyonnais as a player. The former Real Madrid player and 2022 Ballon d'Or winner said that he could not go back. Benzema clarified that it is possible for him to work at the club after his retirement from professional football, but not as a player. The centre-forward joined the Saudi club in February 2026 and his contract is valid until June 2027. He has been capped 97 times for France, scoring 37 goals, and has a current market value of €6.00m, according to Transfermarkt.
During an Instagram live session with his friend, the rapper Roff, Al-Hilal's 38-year-old French attacker Karim Benzema stated that he will never return to Olympique Lyonnais as a player. The former Real Madrid player and 2022 Ballon d'Or winner said that he could not go back. Benzema clarified that it is possible for him to work at the club after his retirement from professional football, but not as a player. The centre-forward joined the Saudi club in February 2026 and his contract is valid until June 2027. He has been capped 97 times for France, scoring 37 goals, and has a current market value of €6.00m, according to Transfermarkt.
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