Al Hilal’s Spanish CEO, Jorge Carrasco, recently appeared on El Larguero of Cadena SER to discuss the transfer of Karim Benzema and the future transfer strategy of Saudi football. He stated that he neither understands nor cares much about Cristiano Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction with Al Hilal’s winter transfer window signings. Carrasco noted that Al Nassr had previously signed multiple superstars, including João Félix and Kingsley Coman.
One of the biggest moves of this winter transfer window involved former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner left Al Ittihad for Al Hilal, sending shockwaves through Saudi football. Managed by Simone Inzaghi, Al Hilal’s squad already features several La Liga alumni such as Yassine Bounou and Theo Hernández, with Benzema set to begin a new chapter of his career there.
Benzema had only six months left on his contract with his former club, and contract extension talks had stalled. It was against this backdrop that Al Hilal moved quickly to complete the signing. “We showed great determination to sign Benzema, while also bringing in a number of talented young Arab players,” Carrasco told Cadena SER. “Our objective is crystal clear: to compete for every trophy.”
Benzema Move Sparks Ronaldo’s Discontent
This galaxy-level transfer sent ripples across the Saudi Pro League, drawing particular frustration from Cristiano Ronaldo. The controversy stems from the fact that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) backs both Al Hilal and Al Nassr—Ronaldo’s current club. The signing of Benzema by a title rival has been viewed by Ronaldo, Jorge Jesus, and several Al Nassr insiders as a potential conflict of interest.
The Portugal captain reportedly refused to play at one point, demanding that the PIF first clarify whether any conflict of interest existed in the Benzema deal. Benzema ultimately signed with Al Hilal until 2027. Unfazed, Carrasco commented: “You’d have to ask him directly what the issue is.”
Carrasco went on to outline Al Hilal’s three main funding streams for maintaining competitiveness in the transfer market: “Al Hilal is one of Saudi Arabia’s most powerful clubs. Our transfer budget comes primarily from three sources: the club’s own commercial and merchandise revenue, government-backed initiatives to sign world-class stars, and support from the royal family.”
He also pointed out that João Félix and Kingsley Coman were high-profile acquisitions for Al Nassr in the previous summer transfer window.
Saudi Football Sets Sights on Vinícius Júnior
Saudi football’s global influence continues to grow. Al Hilal’s FIFA Club World Cup victory over Manchester City showcased the competitive edge forged by signing stars from Europe’s top five leagues. Next on Saudi Arabia’s transfer wishlist are Mohamed Salah of Liverpool in the Premier League and Vinícius Júnior of La Liga.
Carrasco did not shy away from the topic of Vinícius, but made it clear that Al Hilal has held no talks with the player: “As far as our club is concerned, there have been no substantive negotiations. But every time the CEO of the Saudi Pro League is asked about this, he says—if Vinícius becomes available for transfer, we will definitely make an attempt to sign him.”
Carrasco has become a well-known figure in Saudi Arabia, regularly stopped by fans for autographs in the streets—a situation he says he has “gotten used to.” This reflects the fervor of Saudi football fans, with stadiums nearly full every weekend, all building toward the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Towards the end of the show, host Manu Carreño asked whether there was interest in appointing Pep Guardiola—who worked with Carrasco at Manchester City—as Al Hilal’s manager. Carrasco responded cautiously: “If he ever becomes available to manage, there will certainly be interest.”