Karim Benzema’s move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal has now been confirmed, in what is a big blow to Al-Nassr’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo boycotted Monday’s Saudi Pro League clash at Al-Riyadh, as a protest over their lack of spending on transfers.
The 40-year-old is not happy that Al-Nassr is not getting as much support as the other clubs controlled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, PIF.
Ronaldo has reportedly been aggrieved that Al-Hilal have a net spend £180 million higher than that of his own team since the 2022-23 season, when he arrived.
However, Al-Hilal have been allowed to sign Benzema, to boost their title ambitions.
They currently top the table by a single point ahead of Al-Nassr.
They are on course to hoover up a second league title in three years while Ronaldo remains without a major trophy in the Middle East.