In the summer of 2023, Karim Benzema made a significant move from Real Madrid, a 14-time Champions League-winning powerhouse, to Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
The high-profile transfer saw Benzema signing a reported three-year contract worth an astonishing £172 million per year. However, recent reports have surfaced, suggesting that the 36-year-old striker might be experiencing unease in his new surroundings.
Despite his status as the poster boy signing for the Saudi Pro League and leading an exodus of notable players from Europe, Benzema’s potential departure from Al Ittihad would not be a straightforward process. Any exit would require authorization from Al Ittihad’s coach Marcelo Gallardo, sporting director Roman Planes, and even Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport, underscoring the complexity of the situation.
While there have been reports indicating Benzema’s alleged discontent, it is noteworthy that he has not officially communicated any desire to leave Al Ittihad. The rumor mill gained momentum when he returned late from a holiday in Mauritius, sparking speculation about his future.
French reports suggested that Benzema had requested a ‘temporary’ exit, and prominent Spanish publication Marca hinted at a potential meeting with Al Ittihad’s hierarchy after Manchester United and Arsenal expressed interest in securing his services. Even his former club, Lyon, has been linked to a possible reunion.
Benzema, who enjoyed a prolific 14-year stint at Real Madrid with 354 goals, dismissed these rumors in an interview with L’Equipe, labeling them as “completely false” and attributing them to media invention. The French striker asserted that the bigger the player, the more imaginative the media becomes.
The financial aspect adds another layer of complexity to the situation, with Benzema’s astronomical pay packet potentially complicating any move. The context is highlighted by Jordan Henderson terminating his contract at Al Ettifaq to join Ajax.
Amid these rumors, both Manchester United and Arsenal, struggling with their respective Premier League campaigns, could benefit significantly from Benzema’s goal-scoring prowess.
United, currently eighth in the table, have faced challenges in finding the net, while Arsenal, despite a recent 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace, has experienced inconsistencies in their goal-scoring performance.
Benzema’s statistics at Al Ittihad include nine goals and five assists in 15 appearances. However, his team trails significantly in the Saudi Pro League title race, with Al Hilal maintaining an undefeated lead and a considerable 25-point gap over Al Ittihad.
As the speculations continue, Benzema’s future remains uncertain, but his denial of exit talks may quell the ongoing rumors, at least for the time being. The potential impact of Benzema’s stay or departure from Al Ittihad looms large, not only for the Saudi Pro League but also for the prospective suitors eyeing the seasoned French striker’s services in the Premier League.
