Karim Benzema's Future: Options After Al-Hilal

Karim Benzema is edging towards the Al-Hilal exit door with the clock ticking on the summer window, and his next move is anything but clear. What is clear is this: he has no intention of quietly fading away.

Three paths lie in front of the veteran France striker. The most realistic keeps him in Saudi Arabia. Spanish outlet "AS" report that Benzema is seriously considering staying in the Saudi Pro League, which could mean a return to Al-Ittihad, whose shirt he has already worn, or a switch to Al-Shabab in the coming weeks.

His time at Al-Hilal has been brief. The 38-year-old only arrived in the last winter window, but the relationship already looks close to over. The club’s hierarchy are in talks to terminate his contract before deadline day, a rapid unravelling for a signing that once carried heavyweight status.

The uncertainty is thick around his future, but not around his appetite for the game. "AS" insist Benzema has no plans to retire right now. "Marca", though, leave a small crack in the door, suggesting retirement has not been completely ruled out. Every option remains on the table.

One option has already been crossed off. According to Fabrizio Romano, Benzema has decided against a return to European football for the moment. That stance hits the brakes on speculation over a romantic reunion with Lyon, the club so often linked with him in recent months.

If he does walk away from Saudi Arabia, the United States looms as the standout alternative. A move to the American league is described as the clearest route outside the Gulf, while reports continue to float the possibility of a spell in the Scottish league.

Saudi, America, Scotland, or the unthinkable step of calling time: Benzema’s next decision will say a lot about how he wants this remarkable career to end.