Ex-France international Karim Benzema is now a free agent after leaving Saudi club Al-Hilal.
The 38-year-old moved to the Middle East in 2023, initially signing with Al-Ittihad before making the switch to the most successful outfit in Saudi Arabia.
Benzema only signed for Al-Hilal at the beginning of the year, scoring 10 goals and providing a further five assists in 16 matches for the club.
However, after terminating his contract, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner is seeking a fresh challenge...
Bayer Leverkusen
Reports from DZfoot journalist Ilyes Kaddouri claimed that Benzema and Bayer Leverkusen have entered direct talks over a free transfer. According to Kaddouri, the former Real Madrid man had discussed a move with Leverkusen chiefs, Moussa Diaby and Lucas Vazquez.
The German side aren't exactly short on forward options, however. Patrick Schick, Christian Kofane and Victor Boniface have all shared minutes at number nine in the Bundesliga so far this season.
Czechia marksman Schick is currently the league's joint-top goalscorer with three goals in three matches.
Lyon
Widespread reports claimed that Benzema was willing to join Lyon over the summer, but the move was blocked due to an ambassadorial role that the Frenchman is contracted to until 2030.
Benzema began his storied career with the seven-time French champions, bursting onto the scene at just 17, before becoming the subject of a then-French record transfer when he joined Real Madrid.
Lois Openda is the only proven goalscorer that Lyon possess and they are in need of reinforcements.
This move all depends on whether Benzema can get out of his ambassadorial contract in Saudi Arabia, if so, a return to where it all started could be on the cards.
Any Saudi Pro League team
Due to the aforementioned role that Benzema holds as an ambassador to Saudi Arabia, it might be that if he wants to continue his career, then he will have to remain in the Middle East.
Already having represented two clubs in the Saudi Pro League, a move to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, or a switch to Brendan Rodgers' Al-Qadsiah are both potential options.
Another ex-Lyon academy forward in Alexandre Lacazette currently plies his trade at Neom SC and Benzema could seek to reunite with the 33-year-old who has scored five goals in six league starts this season.
