Benzema’s Saudi Pro League transfer could shift the balance of power

February 3 – Karim Benzema’s free transfer from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal has done more than shuffle the Saudi Pro League’s attacking options. It has tilted the internal balance of power in a league where those balances are already delicately managed – and left league talisman Cristiano Ronaldo visibly unimpressed.

Benzema’s arrival at Al-Hilal strengthens a side already top of the table, one point clear of Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, and on course for a second league title in three seasons.