Al Hilal have officially confirmed that the transfer fees for Karim Benzema and six other players signed during the recent winter transfer window were not financed by the Saudi Pro League or Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
In a statement released by the club, Al Hilal disclosed that the acquisitions were instead funded by prominent Saudi businessman and billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, one of the wealthiest individuals in the world and the founder of Kingdom Holding Company.
The clarification comes amid widespread speculation regarding state-backed spending in the Saudi transfer market. Al Hilal’s announcement underlines that the deals were privately financed, independent of league or sovereign funding.
Prince Alwaleed is a long-standing and influential figure within the club, having been a key patron and “golden member” of Al Hilal for many years. His continued support further highlights the role of private investment in the club’s recent transfer activity.