The high-profile free agent has Inter and Milan dreaming: a transfer battle between the two clubs is a possibility
Karim Benzema has once again become the focus of European soccer discourse in recent days. The termination of his contract with Al‑Hilal—made official in recent days—has brought a name back into the spotlight that, despite turning 39 on December 19, continues to be one of the most recognizable figures in world soccer. And as often happens when a star player finds himself without a contract, Europe’s major clubs are watching closely. Even Milan.
In recent days, a few social media posts have sparked unexpected excitement: Benzema appeared wearing the Inter 1997–98 jersey, the first season of “Ronaldo the Phenomenon,” his self-proclaimed idol. While this gesture hasn’t yet translated into actual negotiations, it’s enough to get Nerazzurri fans dreaming—especially since they’re already aware that the club is quietly considering the idea of adding another striker to the roster, with an eye toward the free-agent market.
Casa Milan is also watching the situation with curiosity. There is no defined strategy to sign the former Real Madrid player, but a player of Benzema’s caliber represents an opportunity that, under certain conditions, could at least be worth considering. A couple of very recent examples come to mind: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, instrumental in the climb toward the 2022 Scudetto, and Luka Modric, named to the Italian league’s Top 11 at the Gran Galà del Calcio. Both have shown how Serie A can be much more than just a retirement destination.
The reality, however, is that Benzema is weighing his options to decide his future: among the most likely scenarios is staying in Saudi Arabia by joining another club, but the possibility of joining other stars like Leo Messi in Major League Soccer cannot be ruled out. A return to Europe seems unlikely, but in soccer, nothing is ever set in stone. And when a world-class player becomes a free agent, the big clubs can’t ignore the opportunity—even if it means sparking a new, exciting transfer battle.
