SUMMARY
- Benzema's move to Al-Ittihad is not going as planned. He left Real Madrid after 14 years to try his fortunes in Saudi Arabia as the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner.
- Benzema missed presentation ahead of Al-Ittihad's pre-season training, now excluded from pre-season tour.
Karim Benzema’s much-anticipated transfer to Al-Ittihad has started to turn sour. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner decided to try his fortunes in Saudi Arabia last season after spending 14 years at Real Madrid.
However, after only playing 15 matches for the Saudi Arabian outfit last season, Benzema has been axed from the current pre-season tour to Dubai. And if anyone has to be blamed for this, it is Benzema himself.
According to reports, the Frenchman failed to attend a presentation ahead of Al-Ittihad’s pre-season training camp and as a result, has been left out of the tour completely. To make it much clearer, this isn’t the first time Benzema has been reported to have gone missing.
🚨⚽️ Karim Benzema has not shown up for Al-Ittihad yet to carry on with the season this year and has also missed three training sessions before the new year.
Manager Gallardo has decided he will not travel with the squad to Dubai for the camp.
[@marca]#Football pic.twitter.com/3ceXZlDr8S
— Linesman ⚽️ (@_Linesman_) January 13, 2024
As reported by Al-Riyadiya, the former Real Madrid striker had previously left Jeddah for unknown reasons hours before the Al-Ittihad’s fixture against Al-Tai. However, the recent omission of Benzema has raised sparks over the Internet. Safe to say, none of the fans saw it coming since it only has been half a year during Benzema’s spell at the club.
Fans have reacted to this situation as hilarious comments have been flooding the internet. One fan said, “He’s checked out of football lmao.” Another stated, “Welcome to Hollywood Karim.” A third quipped, “It sounds and looks like he is done with football.” A fourth commented, “The Saudi project going as expected then. Benzema and Henderson both wanted out.”
Benzema had a pretty good run for the Saudi-based club last season. The 36-year-old scored a total of 12 goals and provided 5 assists across all competitions. Now it is to see what future lies ahead for the Frenchman.
Manchester United eyeing surprise loan deal for Karim Benzema
According to reports, Karim Benzema is currently unsettled in Saudi Arabia after spending half a year with Al-Ittihad. His recent exclusion from Al-Ittihad’s pre-season may have just opened the doors for his return to the European soccer circuit yet again.
It is reported by multiple sources, that Manchester United is eyeing signing the French striker on loan for the remainder of the season. The Red Devils are in desperate need of an experienced striker, after being previously linked to players like Thomas Muller, and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
🚨🔴EXCLUSIVE:
Manchester United are exploring a 6-month loan deal for Al Ittihad striker Karim Benzema.
Player wants to move to Europe. Manchester United need to offload Martial before making the move. #mufc pic.twitter.com/tA4134SUYZ
— Manchester United Forever (@Utd_Forever7) January 14, 2024
However, the deal could materialize soon enough if Manchester United shows the urgency this time. It is also believed that Dutch manager Erik ten Hag is an admirer of the French striker and may fancy the chance of bringing him to Old Trafford.
Benzema who currently earns $2.12 per week at Al-Ittihad, may not get more than $318,650 per week on loan for United because of their budget constraints.