Karim Benzema's Future: Al-Hilal Exit and Next Moves

Karim Benzema is edging towards the Al-Hilal exit door as the summer window ticks down, but his next move remains wide open.

The French forward, now 38, has three realistic paths on the table. The strongest, for the moment, keeps him in Saudi Arabia. Spanish outlet "AS" reports that Benzema is seriously considering staying in the Saudi Pro League, either by returning to Al-Ittihad, where he has already worn the shirt, or by signing for Al-Shabab in the coming weeks.

His time at Al-Hilal has been brief. He only arrived in the last winter window, yet the chapter already looks close to closing. The club’s hierarchy are in active talks over terminating his contract before deadline day, a clear sign that both sides are preparing for a parting of ways.

What comes next is less clear. Benzema is not ready to walk away from the game, at least not officially. "AS" states that the striker has no intention of retiring right now, while "Marca" leaves the door slightly ajar, suggesting retirement has not been completely ruled out. Every scenario stays in play.

One option is already off the table, though. According to Fabrizio Romano, Benzema has decided against a return to European football for the time being. That stance all but kills the prospect of an emotional move back to Lyon, the club so heavily linked with him in recent months.

If he does not remain in Saudi Arabia, the most concrete alternative lies across the Atlantic. A switch to the American league stands out as the clearest route should he choose to leave the Gulf. Reports also continue to float the idea of a spell in Scotland, adding another twist to a late-career journey that refuses to settle.

The clock is running on the window. Benzema’s decision will say plenty about how much more he believes is left in those famous boots.