Al-Hilal's Plans for Life After Benzema: Targeting Ollie Watkins

Al-Hilal are already sketching out life after Karim Benzema. The plan has a clear focal point: Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

Simone Inzaghi has marked the England striker as his priority to lead the line next season, with club bosses keen to refresh an ageing squad. According to MaxiFoot, the Saudi side are seriously weighing up cutting ties with their 38-year-old French star this summer as they look to inject new energy into the team.

There is one problem. And it is an expensive one.

Benzema standoff freezes Watkins move

Any move for Watkins is locked behind Benzema’s contract. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner is demanding full payment of the final year of his deal before he will agree to a mutual termination. Until that financial dispute is settled, talks are stuck.

The standstill is not just a matter of pride. The Saudi Pro League’s strict foreign player quotas mean Al-Hilal cannot simply stockpile big names. To bring in Watkins, they first need Benzema’s slot free. Right now, it isn’t.

Behind the scenes, club management remain intent on parting ways with the former Real Madrid captain. The strategy is clear: reduce the average age of the squad and build around players closer to their peak.

Per AS, Inzaghi believes 30-year-old Watkins fits that blueprint perfectly. The Villa forward, who hit 21 goals in 55 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign, is seen as the ideal spearhead for a more dynamic Al-Hilal attack.

Frustration on the pitch, diplomacy off it

The tension around Benzema’s future spilled into view during Al-Hilal’s 4-2 win over Al Faisaly on Friday. Benzema scored, but the story came later.

With 20 minutes left, Inzaghi replaced him with youngster Kader Meite. Benzema’s reaction left little doubt about his feelings; the frustration was obvious as he came off.

Inzaghi moved quickly to cool the situation 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 calm, conciliatory, almost protective of his veteran forward. The club’s stance, though, is far more ruthless. The report indicates Al-Hilal’s hierarchy are still determined to terminate Benzema’s deal, regardless of the public show of unity.

Watkins waits on the other side

For now, everything hangs on a number on a contract.

If Benzema agrees to a termination package that satisfies him, Al-Hilal are ready to hit the accelerator on Watkins. The moment the Frenchman vacates that foreign player spot, the Saudi club intend to move quickly.

Until then, they are stuck in limbo. Watkins remains a target, not a signing. Benzema remains an Al-Hilal player, not yet an ex-star, even as all the signals point toward a summer split.

One way or another, the next signature in this saga will decide who leads Al-Hilal’s attack when the new season kicks off.