Benzema linked to three former Salzburg coaches

Karim Benzema (38) has terminated his contract with Al Hilal. This means he can still make a move even outside the transfer windows.

For a long time, his youth club Olympique Lyon was considered a possible destination. The problem: Benzema is tied to the Saudi Pro League as an ambassador until 2030.

A move to Letsch or his former assistant?

The Frenchman reportedly wants to honor this highly lucrative agreement. Thus, a move within the league is likely his only option.

According to Saudi media reports, former club Al-Ittihad is said to be interested. Jens Wissing, a former Salzburg assistant, has been on the sidelines there since this summer; the 38-year-old worked under Thomas Letsch at FC Red Bull Salzburg between June and October 2025.

However, Wissing's former boss is also likely considering the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner. Letsch's club Al-Shabab is being linked as a second Saudi destination.

Jaissle as Benzema's Saudi Escape?

Newcastle United, a club 80 percent owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, could offer the only potential way out of Saudi Arabia. According to "Sport Witness," this could become a real possibility. Coincidentally, the coach there (Matthias Jaissle) also has a past in Salzburg. The assistant coach there is Alexander Hauser from Tyrol.

Nevertheless, staying in Saudi Arabia is considered more likely, and ending his career is also fundamentally conceivable.