August 24, 2026 • 4:05 PM EDT
Updated 10 days ago
Big moves could be brewing in the Saudi Pro League, and it looks set to shake up the power balance all over again. With Karim Benzema’s role at Al Hilal suddenly on the rocks, the Riyadh club have set their sights on Premier League standouts Ollie Watkins and Gabriel Martinelli. If these transfers go through, Al Hilal will only tighten their grip at the top of Saudi football—widening the gap over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, who have already lagged behind in the spending spree.
Let’s break down why this matters. Benzema’s uncertain future gives Al Hilal the urgency to reinforce up front, and the players they’re targeting aren’t just squad fillers—they’re headliners from England’s and Brazil’s World Cup squads. Watkins has already agreed personal terms with Al Hilal, per Fabrizio Romano, while Martinelli is deep into talks, and both left out of their teams’ recent games. For anyone watching where the balance of power in Middle Eastern football is heading, this is about influence, flexing financial muscle, and attracting serious international talent.
Ronaldo hasn’t exactly been quiet about his frustrations with Al Hilal’s spending advantages. Last January, during the Benzema saga, he hit out against what he saw as league favoritism that gave Al Hilal extra leeway. Al Nassr have only managed one notable signing this window, while Al Hilal keep clearing out high-profile names to make space for more—and they don’t seem to worry about the price tag. According to World Soccer Talk, this could mark another sharp turn in the rivalry between Saudi football’s biggest clubs.
Watkins’ case is simple: he missed Aston Villa’s opener at Brighton, wasn’t named in the squad, and manager Unai Emery dodged questions about his absence post-match. Fabrizio Romano reports the striker has said yes to the move—now it’s just between the clubs. Villa already turned down an initial £45 million offer, but expect a bigger bid soon, especially since Al Hilal have to resolve Benzema’s future first.
Martinelli, meanwhile, remains a marquee target. Arsenal are reportedly holding out for around £60 million. The Brazilian winger hasn’t played for Arsenal in their FA Community Shield clash or the league opener, fueling suspicion that an exit might be in the works before the window closes in two weeks.
- Al Hilal aggressively pursue Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli as Benzema’s future with the club grows less stable.
- Watkins agrees personal terms with Al Hilal, with transfer now in club-to-club negotiation after Villa reject initial offer.
- Arsenal keep Martinelli out of key fixtures as Al Hilal maintain active dialogue over a potential transfer.
- Al Hilal open up foreign player slots by offloading Malcom and Darwin Nunez to create room in the squad.
- Benzema’s place at Al Hilal hangs in the balance with reports of friction between him and technical staff, his departure likely if Watkins arrives.
- Cristiano Ronaldo voices over previous league favoritism benefitting Al Hilal, underscoring the competitive gap between Al Nassr and Al Hilal.
Two spots open as Al Hilal clear the decks
To bring in these new faces, Al Hilal made two key exits official. Malcom heads to Al Jazira, and Darwin Nunez leaves on loan for Al Diriyah. These aren’t just wage-bill moves—they’re designed to get around foreign player limits and slot Watkins and Martinelli straight in, if deals close in time. This is classic big club strategy, staying ahead of both financial and regulatory obstacles.
Benzema’s strained situation and why it matters for Al Hilal
The pivotal piece is Benzema. Reports say that if Al Hilal snare Watkins, they’ll cut the Frenchman loose. That’s not idle gossip; Benzema has reportedly clashed with technical staff, adding urgency to the club’s push for new blood. If he’s out, it both disrupts the squad dynamic and signals that no star is untouchable—at least not when bigger names are rumored to arrive.
Financial muscle widens the gulf
Al Hilal’s approach isn’t subtle—they splashed over €64 million on Crysencio Summerville already and aren’t stopping. Bringing in World Cup-level attackers boosts their brand credibility and intensifies the message: Al Hilal are in a league of their own. Compare that to Al Nassr, who operate under stricter budgets and have only brought in Samu Costa, plus seen several key players leave. The chasm between the clubs grows wider with every big-money deal.
Key Takeaways for Bettors
- Monitor Al Hilal’s announcements: Watkins and Martinelli signings could trigger big market reactions.
- Benzema’s exit feels likely if Watkins joins—expect odds on his next destination to move quickly.
- Arsenal’s and Villa’s current team sheets will hint at transfer momentum.
- Saudi clubs’ transfer market aggression means late-window surprises remain highly possible.
- Al Nassr’s quiet window makes them less likely to keep pace without major last-minute deals.
- Keep an eye on how foreign player slot rules shift betting lines for SPL squad options.
- Al Hilal’s financial power gives them the best odds of landing big international talent this summer.
- Ronaldo’s concerns about financial favoritism add narrative heat, especially if Al Nassr stagnate.
- If deals fall apart, expect more player unrest or last-minute twists in the Saudi League transfer window.
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