French football star Karim Benzema finds himself in a predicament after his summer move to Saudi Arabia, as he, along with several other high-profile players, is discontent with the transition from European football to the Saudi Pro League.
Benzema, aged 36, has encountered difficulties since joining the Saudi club and his relationship with Al-Ittihad has deteriorated significantly.
Despite the league’s break for the AFC Asian Cup, Benzema has been absent from “pre-season” training with the team since December, raising concerns about his commitment to the club.
Reports suggest that Benzema harbors a desire to return to playing football in Europe. However, Real Madrid, his former club, has reportedly ruled out any possibility of his return, closing the door on a potential reunion.
Despite facing challenges at Al-Ittihad, Benzema has managed to maintain an impressive goal-scoring record, netting 15 goals in 24 appearances for the club since his high-profile transfer.
The uncertainty surrounding Benzema’s future has sparked interest from several Premier League giants, including Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
These clubs are reportedly considering making a move for the experienced striker to bolster their squads for the remainder of the season.
Benzema’s tenure at Al-Ittihad has been marred by a highly publicized dispute with former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, which resulted in the Portuguese coach’s dismissal despite his initial success with the club.
The fallout between Benzema and Espirito Santo has added to the turmoil surrounding the French striker’s time at Al-Ittihad.
Amidst speculation about Benzema’s departure, Al-Ittihad is reportedly seeking to offload the French striker before the end of the month.
If a deal is finalized in January, Benzema may have already played his last game for the Saudi Pro League side, as the league is set to resume only in mid-February following the conclusion of the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar.
In summary, Benzema’s stint at Al-Ittihad has been fraught with challenges, leading to speculation about his potential departure from the club and interest from top European clubs seeking to secure his services.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Benzema’s goal-scoring prowess continues to attract attention from clubs across Europe.
