French football star Karim Benzema faces a dilemma following his move to Saudi Arabia last summer, as he, along with several other notable players, expresses dissatisfaction with the transition from European football to the Saudi Pro League.
Benzema, aged 36, has encountered challenges since joining the Saudi club, leading to a significant deterioration in his relationship with Al-Ittihad.
Despite the league’s hiatus for the AFC Asian Cup, Benzema has been absent from “pre-season” training with the team since December, raising concerns about his commitment.
Reports suggest that Benzema wishes to return to playing in Europe, but his former club Real Madrid has reportedly ruled out any possibility of his comeback, closing the door on a potential reunion.
Despite the difficulties at Al-Ittihad, Benzema has maintained an impressive goal-scoring record, scoring 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, who are reportedly considering making a move for the experienced striker to strengthen their squads.
Benzema’s time at Al-Ittihad has been marked by a well-publicized dispute with former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, resulting 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 tenure at Al-Ittihad.
Amid speculation about Benzema’s departure, Al-Ittihad is reportedly looking to offload the French striker before the end of the month.
If a deal is reached in January, Benzema may have already played his final game for the Saudi Pro League side, as the league is set to resume only in mid-February after the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar.
In summary, Benzema’s time at Al-Ittihad has been challenging, leading to speculation about his potential exit from the club and interest from top European clubs seeking to acquire his services.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Benzema’s goal-scoring ability continues to attract attention from clubs across Europe.
