Rangers flop Derek Cornelius’ proposed move from Marseille to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq has fallen through at the last minute. The post Star Who Flopped At Rangers Sees Saudi Arabia Move Fall Through appeared first on Inside Futbol | Latest Football News, Transfer Rumours & Articles.
While interested on an emotional return to Olympique Lyon, Karim Benzema's status as Saudi Pro League ambassador reportedly ended up blocking the move. Karim Benzema emerged as one of the most intriguing free agents of the 2026 summer transfer window, and while drawing interest from multiple European clubs, he was open to a homecoming at Olympique Lyon. However, according to reports, his contractual status as a Saudi Pro League ambassador ultimately blocked an emotional return to the French side. Following Ollie Watkins’ arrival at Al Hilal, Karim Benzema and the Saudi club reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract, which had one year remaining. The move sent the French striker into free agency, leaving him cleared to negotiate terms with potential suitors. Concurrently, Olympique Lyon have navigated severe financial constraints in recent seasons, raising funds by selling young talents like Malick Fofana to Sunderland for $34 million (€29.3 million EUR) and Afonso Moreira to Bayer Leverkusen for $34 million (€29.3 million EUR). Despite Lyon’s tight budget, L’Equipe reported that Benzema was willing to return to his boyhood club without taking a salary. While both parties favored the reunion, contractual entanglements halted progress. Beyond finalizing his exit details with Al Hilal, a broader contractual barrier stood in the way: Benzema’s agreement as a Saudi Pro League ambassador through 2030 prohibits him from competing professionally in another country, rendering a move to Lyon virtually impossible. Karim Benzema of Olympique Lyon. (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) As part of Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision leading up to the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) secured several global marquee figures as brand ambassadors to drive international media visibility. Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and formerly Neymar, Benzema was signed to a long-term promotional agreement. With the PIF holding his global image rights under the deal, Benzema is obligated to represent the kingdom at major sporting showcases, such as Ronaldo’s recent appearance at the Esports World Cup, while agreeing not to play for clubs outside the Saudi Pro League. With the forward intending to honor those commitments, a return to European football is off the table despite his free agent status. Retirement becomes an increasingly likely path for Benzema While negotiating his exit terms with Al Hilal, Al Shabab emerged as a potential destination, initially exploring a loan arrangement before offering a permanent contract once Benzema hit free agency. However, Benzema declined the offer from the Saudi club, leaving retirement as an increasingly probable next step. At 38 years old, Benzema would be 43 by the time his ambassador contract expires in 2030, effectively closing the door on playing again in Europe or another foreign league unless the agreement is restructured. Although the primary Saudi transfer deadline has passed, domestic clubs retain the ability to sign free agents, leaving his active playing career at a crossroads.
Cristiano Ronaldo's dream to claim the 2026 World Cup with Portugal has begun, currently at the Round of 32. Cristiano Ronaldo, even at 41 years old, remains a central figure for both his club, Al Nassr, and the Portugal national team. Still drawing global attention, the key question now is when the legendary striker will take the field again. Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Al Nassr is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, when they host Abha for Matchday 6 in the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League at Al Awwal Park. The Portuguese star heads to the game after suffering the first defeat of the season against Al Ittihad 2-1. The icon’s 2026-27 international campaign with Portugal following the 2026 World Cup is set to begin on Thursday, September 24, when they host Wales for Matchday 1 of the of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. The forward’s last World Cup game came on July 6th, where Spain beat the Selecao in the Round of 16 with a narrow 1-0 win. In the 2026-27 season, which he has stated could be his last one as professional soccer player, the Portuguese icon scored 2 goals and provided 0 assists in 4 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers and 3 in the 2026 World Cup for Portugal, with his personal account in 978 career goals. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates scoring a goal. Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule. From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final. With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.
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