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In difficulty since joining Saudi Arabia, Karim Benzema has asked to “temporarily” leave his club Al-Ittihad, according to AFP.
Is Karim Benzema’s adventure at Al-Ittihad already coming to an end? Seven months after his arrival in Saudi Arabia, the French striker (36 years old) no longer hides his discomfort. According to AFP, which cites “a source close to the club”“KB9” would have asked to leave “temporarily” the team based in Jeddah, where he is under contract until 2026.
The leaders of Al-Ittihad would have offered to loan him to another Saudi Pro League team, but the former Lyonnais would have refused this option. The ex-Real Madrid striker would feel “unable to give his best to Al-Ittihad because of the pressure”. A version that the player’s entourage, contacted by AFP, did not wish to confirm.
Several European clubs on the lookout
Since the beginning of January, the situation of “Nueve” has deteriorated considerably in Saudi Arabia. Angered by Al-Ittihad supporters, unhappy with his performance, Karim Benzema deleted his account on Instagram, where he was particularly active. Absent when training resumed, he was then removed from the group by his coach, Marcelo Gallardo.
Where could he bounce back if he leaves? In recent weeks, his name has circulated in several major European clubs. In England, Manchester United and Chelsea would be interested in his experience, as would Inter Milan in Italy. In France, OL are reportedly studying a possible return of their former prodigy, but the situation would be complicated financially.
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Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team. As an author for the website, Manu's expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers. When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Manu enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans. Feel free to follow Manu on Twitter and interact with him as he shares his expert opinions, insights, and love for French football.