"The media don't know what to say anymore. It's an absolute lie," Benzema said, according to French news agency RMC Sport, citing L'Equipe.
Recall that earlier, information circulated that Karim Benzema had expressed a desire to leave “Al-Ittihad” temporarily. It was noted that the 36-year-old footballer’s desire was due to the fact that he felt too much pressure. Benzema joined Al-Ittihad last summer on a free transfer. This season, the forward has played 24 matches in all competitions, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists. The player’s contract with the Saudi club is valid until the end of June 2026. According to the Transfermarkt website, the footballer’s approximate value is 15 million euros.
Reports of Benzema's desire to leave Al-Ittihad come amid a difficult period for the team. Al-Ittihad currently sit fifth in the Saudi Professional League, 10 points behind leaders Al-Nassr. The team's recent results have been inconsistent, with four wins, three draws and three losses in their last 10 league games.
Benzema's potential departure would be a major blow for Al-Ittihad, as the Frenchman has been one of the team's key players since his arrival. The former Real Madrid star was expected to be one of the driving forces behind Al-Ittihad's ambitions to challenge for the league title and make an impact in the AFC Champions League.
However, the 36-year-old's desire to leave, even temporarily, suggests he may struggle to adapt to the demands of the Saudi league or the club environment. The pressure of being one of the Saudi Pro League's most high-profile signings could weigh heavily on the veteran forward.
The situation surrounding Benzema's future will be closely watched by football fans and pundits alike. If the rumours about his desire to leave prove true, it could spark a transfer saga that would have a significant impact on the landscape of the Saudi football scene.
Benzema's potential departure would also raise questions about Al-Ittihad's long-term plans and ability to retain top talent. The club may need to address the underlying issues that led to Benzema's apparent dissatisfaction in order to maintain its competitiveness in domestic and continental competitions.
As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see how Al-Ittihad and Benzema himself handle the situation. The club will likely be keen to keep their star player, while Benzema may weigh up his options and consider the best course of action for his career and personal well-being.
