Lyon considered Benzema this summer, but his contract blocked it

Lyon’s leadership reportedly looked at bringing Karim Benzema back this summer. According to L’Équipe, the French club’s idea was built around the striker’s motivation: Benzema was said to be enthusiastic about spending a season again with his training club, even with the notion that he would return without a salary out of love for OL and his hometown. But the plan ran into a clear obstacle.

The contract stop

As L’Équipe writes, the 38-year-old was still not released from his commitment at the time, and beyond that he remains tied to the Saudi league setup as an ambassador until 2030. That arrangement is what kept a move abroad from becoming realistic in that window.

The article also notes that Lyon supporters often believe the club cannot afford Benzema—and that, in truth, the summer situation almost took a very different turn, had the contractual side allowed it.

Free now, but still constrained

L’Équipe adds that Benzema has been free for a week after terminating his last year with Al-Hilal by mutual agreement, following a haul of one league title and two cups (plus a “best player” accolade for the league, as stated). Still, he intends to honor the ambassador role that links him to Saudi Arabia until 2030, which could continue to complicate a signature elsewhere.

Finally, L’Équipe underlines Benzema’s deep attachment to Lyon and his birth city, including his return whenever possible and the mention of a huge mural in Bron. In an interview last December with L’Équipe about the possibility of returning, the number 9 downplayed it, saying: «C’est délicat… On ne sait jamais… C’est mieux de laisser les choses comme ça.»