Karim Benzema has entered negotiations to join Al-Hilal amid a contract dispute with Saudi rivals Al-Ittihad, according to AFP

Karim Benzema has entered negotiations to join Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal amid a contract dispute with his club, Al-Ittihad, a source told AFP on Monday.

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According to the source, Al-Hilal are seeking to sign the French striker for the remaining six months of his contract.

However, Benzema’s agent is demanding a one-and-a-half-year deal.

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has scored eight goals in 14 league appearances this season but has missed Al-Ittihad’s last two matches.

Media reports say Benzema is unhappy with a proposed contract extension.

Both Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

Benzema reportedly rejected an offer presented by league sporting director Michael Emenalo, describing it as “insulting”.

His entourage claimed the proposal would amount to “playing for free”, aside from image rights.

The 38-year-old joined Al-Ittihad in 2023 after 14 seasons with Real Madrid.

He scored 21 goals last season as Al-Ittihad won the Saudi Pro League title.

This season, Al-Ittihad trail league leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points.

Coach Sergio Conceicao declined to comment on Benzema’s recent absence.

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“You have to ask the club’s management,” he said, describing Benzema as “a top-level professional and an extraordinary player”.