Trabzonspor have reportedly made contact with Al-Hilal regarding a potential deal for Karim Benzema, according to Turkish media, opening up the possibility of the experienced French striker forming a formidable attacking partnership with Mohamed Salah.
Benzema’s situation at Al-Hilal remains unclear, with reports indicating that the Saudi club could part ways with the former France international before the summer transfer window shuts.
Al-Hilal are currently looking for another centre-forward following a request from head coach Simone Inzaghi. Several high-profile names have been linked with the role, including Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen, as the Riyadh-based side assess their options. Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu claimed on X that Trabzonspor had made an enquiry regarding the conditions needed to bring Benzema to the club. The Turkish side are yet to reach an agreement with Al-Hilal over a proposed deal for Darwin Nunez, but their attention could now shift towards his experienced team-mate after Benzema was reportedly offered to them.
At present, there is no agreement between Trabzonspor and Al-Hilal, although negotiations over a potential Benzema move are said to be ongoing.Should the deal materialise, Benzema and Salah would form one of the most recognisable attacking duos in Turkish football. However, there has been no confirmation that either player is close to joining Trabzonspor, with the possibility of the pair sharing the same attack currently driving much of the interest surrounding the reports.
Benzema arrived at Al-Hilal in January after terminating his contract with Saudi rivals Al-Ittihad. Despite joining midway through the campaign, the veteran forward was unable to help Al-Hilal secure the Saudi Pro League title last season. His future in Riyadh has now become increasingly uncertain as the club consider bringing in another striker for Inzaghi. Kane, Watkins and Osimhen remain among the forwards reportedly on their radar.
Meanwhile, Trabzonspor continue to search for attacking reinforcements, with negotiations over Nunez still unresolved and Benzema now emerging as another potential option. The latest reports also follow a separate controversy involving Salah’s representative, who was reportedly involved in mocking comments made by the president of Besiktas. No further information about those remarks has emerged.