Al-Hilal Plans Future Without Karim Benzema: Ollie Watkins as Top Target

Al-Hilal are already sketching out a future without Karim Benzema.

Simone Inzaghi has made his choice for the next phase of the project: Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. The England international, now 30, sits at the top of Al-Hilal’s attacking wishlist as they plan a younger, more dynamic frontline for next season.

Benzema stand-off freezes Watkins plan

There is one problem. Everything is blocked by Benzema’s contract.

According to MaxiFoot, the Saudi club are seriously considering cutting ties with the 38-year-old to refresh the squad. But Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, wants every euro of his final contract year paid before he signs off on a mutual termination. That demand has brought talks to a halt and left both sides stuck in a financial standstill.

Until that situation is resolved, Watkins remains a target on paper only. Al-Hilal cannot move formally for the Aston Villa striker while Benzema occupies a valuable foreign-player slot.

Flashpoint in a 4–2 win

The tension spilled into public view during Al-Hilal’s 4–2 win over Al Faisaly on Friday night.

Benzema scored earlier in the game but cut a visibly frustrated figure when Inzaghi substituted him with 20 minutes to play, sending on youngster Kader Meite. The veteran’s reaction underlined the strain around his role and future.

Inzaghi tried to cool everything down when he faced the media.

"We talked about that after the match," he said. "It's normal that he wants to play every match, and I understand him because I was a striker too. At that moment, we had another young player available, Kader Meite, who represents the future of the club. I was joking with Karim after the match, and I have a respectful relationship with him. He is not only a great champion, but also a very great professional."

The coach’s words were measured, even protective. Behind the scenes, the club’s stance is far more ruthless.

Age reset and a clear No.9 target

Reports indicate Al-Hilal’s hierarchy remain intent on terminating Benzema’s deal, driven by strict foreign-player quotas in the Saudi Pro League and a clear desire to lower the squad’s age profile ahead of next season.

Per AS, Inzaghi views Watkins as the ideal spearhead for that reset. The Villa forward hit 21 goals in 55 appearances during the 2025–26 campaign, numbers that have convinced Al-Hilal he can lead their line immediately and for several seasons to come.

The plan is straightforward: clear the slot, then move fast.

If Benzema agrees to a termination package, Al-Hilal are ready to accelerate their pursuit of Watkins without delay. Until then, the former Real Madrid captain remains on the books, a marquee name whose presence blocks the next phase of the club’s rebuild.

For Al-Hilal, and for Watkins watching from the Premier League, everything now turns on one decision from a 38-year-old striker who has seen it all.