Karim Benzema Considered Lyon Return Before Saudi Contract Blocked Move
Karim Benzema remains without a club after Lyon explored a summer reunion that could not be completed because of his contractual commitments in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi obligations stopped Lyon return
Lyon considered bringing their former academy forward back to the Rhone after his Al-Hilal contract was terminated. The 38-year-old gave serious thought to returning to the club where his professional career began, but the move did not progress before the summer window shut.
Former agent Djaziri said Benzema was still tied to wider agreements with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, making an exit from the country unworkable despite the striker’s interest in a homecoming.
“A return this summer could not happen because an agreement still links him to Saudi Arabia,” Djaziri said. “He considered Lyon for a long time. It is his city, his side and his club.”
How the proposed homecoming developed
- Benzema emerged through Lyon’s youth system and broke into the first team.
- He left for Real Madrid in 2009, beginning a 14-year spell in Spain.
- After moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023, a possible Lyon return was examined this summer following the end of his Al-Hilal deal.
- Contractual restrictions connected to Saudi Arabia prevented the transfer from being finalised.
- The transfer window has now closed, leaving Benzema unattached.
A rare two-club career before Saudi Arabia
Benzema’s link with Lyon carries extra weight because his career path has been unusually stable. Before his 2023 switch to Saudi football, he had played professional football only for Lyon and Real Madrid.
He developed into one of Europe’s leading forwards at Lyon before collecting major honours across 14 seasons at Madrid. Djaziri described that trajectory as increasingly uncommon in the modern game.
“Karim had only represented two clubs, unlike a lot of players now,” he said. “That kind of straight-line career is very unusual.”
What happens next
Lyon are no longer an option from the summer window, although Benzema’s attachment to his hometown club remains clear. The veteran forward’s next destination is still unresolved as he enters the latter phase of his career.
- Lyon investigated a move for their former youth product.
- Benzema was open to the idea of returning to his first club.
- Saudi-linked contractual commitments blocked the deal.
- The 38-year-old is currently without a club after the window closed.
