Bad News For Ronaldo? Benzema Completes Transfer To Top Rival Amid Protest

Karim Benzema has completed a shock January transfer from Al-Ittihad to Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal on deadline day.

The former Real Madrid star was into the final few months of his deal with Al-Ittihad but has now moved on. The proposed move is unlikely to go down well with Cristiano Ronaldo who has been left frustrated by recent transfer activity in the Saudi Pro League.

Benzema has made the switch and joined Mohamed Kader Meite in moving to Al-Hilal this winter. The transfer has proceeded despite reportedly stalling earlier in the day due to "discontent" from Ronaldo, according to ESPN. The Portugal star is said to be angry at seeing his team's biggest title rivals Al-Hilal strengthen in the January transfer window, while Al-Nassr have been unable to do the same. Both clubs are managed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and are fighting for the title. Al-Hilal currently lead the way and sit one point clear of Al-Nassr after 19 games played.

Ronaldo did not feature in Al-Nassr's last fixture against Al-Riyadh on deadline day, following reports before the match claiming the 40-year-old was planning to go on strike in protest at the transfer activity in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Nassr have yet to explain Ronaldo's absence for the match, while the forward has also not spoken publicly about the current speculation. Yet if Ronaldo's absence was a protest it appears to be in vain, with Benzema having now joined up with Al-Hilal as he goes in search of his second Saudi Pro League title. Ronaldo is yet to win the league since moving to Al-Nassr from Manchester United in 2022.

Benzema has now taken to social media to say goodbye to Al-Ittihad. He posted: "Al Ittihad, This chapter comes to an end, but the respect and