According to a source, Karim Benzema revealed this to his friends upon his return to France while recovering from an injury. The forward also recently bought a villa in Madrid and is not looking forward to returning to Saudi Arabia. At the same time, in order to preserve his country's image, Al-Ittihad will not want to part ways with Benzema before the expiry of the player's current contract, which includes financial terms that are unlikely to be matched by any European club.
It is worth recalling that the media had previously reported that the French footballer had a conflict with Al-Ittihad head coach Marcelo Gallardo.
Karim Benzema, 36, joined the Saudi club in the summer of 2023 as a free agent. During the current season, he has made 29 appearances in all competitions, scoring 13 goals and providing 8 assists. The player's current contract with the club is valid until the summer of 2026. According to information presented on the Transfermarkt portal, the player's market value is 15 million euros.
Benzema's decision to join Al-Ittihad has been met with mixed reactions from the football community. Some have welcomed the move, seeing it as an opportunity for the player to take on a new challenge and further develop his skills. Others, however, have been more critical, suggesting that the decision was primarily motivated by financial considerations rather than sporting ambitions.
Nevertheless, Benzema's performances in the Saudi league have been impressive and he has managed to adapt quickly to the new environment. His goalscoring abilities and creative flair have been key factors in Al-Ittihad's success so far this season, and the club's management are eager to retain his services.
The reported conflict with Gallardo has also attracted significant media attention, with some speculating that it could lead to Benzema's early departure from the club. However, neither the player nor the club have commented on the matter, and it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve.
Given Benzema's stature in football and the substantial financial commitment involved in his transfer, it is understandable that Al-Ittihad are reluctant to let him leave prematurely. The club's priority is likely to be to maintain a positive public image and ensure that their investment in Benzema pays off in the long term.
Despite the speculation and potential challenges, Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabia has undoubtedly added an interesting chapter to his illustrious career. As he continues to perform at the highest level, the football world will be keenly following his journey and the impact he has on the growth and development of the sport in the region.
