Tensions escalate between Benzema and the club's management
The relationship between French star Karim Benzema, the former Ballon d'Or winner, and Saudi club Al-Ittihad has reached a critical juncture that could determine the player's future with the team. The dispute, which began over contract renewal details, has escalated into an open crisis, casting a shadow over the stability of "Al-Ittihad" at a crucial stage of the Saudi Professional League and raising broader questions about the future of the ambitious sporting project in the Kingdom.
Background to the deal that shook the global transfer market
Karim Benzema's move to Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 was more than just a routine transfer; it was a cornerstone of the Saudi Pro League's strategy to attract the world's top football stars. His arrival from Real Madrid, at the peak of his career and fresh from winning the Ballon d'Or, sent a powerful message to the world that the Saudi Pro League was a magnet for football legends. High hopes were placed on Benzema to spearhead Al-Ittihad's attack towards domestic and continental dominance, placing the current crisis in a more complex context than simply a contract dispute.
Details of the dispute and the roots of the crisis
With his current contract nearing its end in June 2026, Al-Ittihad offered him a two-year extension. However, according to sources close to the player, he rejected the offer. The problem lies in the fact that the proposed deal relies heavily on variable revenue from image rights and advertising, rather than a fixed monthly salary befitting Benzema's status as one of the world's best strikers. The player and his club considered this a "devaluation of his value and professional career," especially since his primary responsibilities are on the pitch.
Benzema's reaction and its impact on the team
In response to what he considered an inappropriate offer, Benzema escalated his stance by deciding to train alone in the club's gym and skipping group training sessions. He also announced he would not participate in upcoming matches until a solution is reached, placing the new coach, Portuguese Sergio Conceição, in a real predicament. The team relies heavily on the French star's goal-scoring and leadership abilities, and his absence represents a significant blow to the coaching staff's plans and the team's ambitions to compete for titles.
Local and international dimensions of the crisis
The impact of this crisis isn't limited to Al-Ittihad Club; it extends to the reputation of the entire Saudi league. Domestically, the ongoing dispute could lead to a decline in the team's performance and create instability among players and fans. Internationally, the way a star of Benzema's stature is handled will be under intense scrutiny. Any acrimonious end to the relationship could send a negative message to other international stars considering a move to the Kingdom and could be used by the global media to question the sustainability of the Saudi sports project.
Future scenarios: between compromise and departure
The available options appear limited but crucial. The first and most optimistic scenario is that the management and the player reach a mutually agreeable solution, which requires flexibility from the club's management. The second scenario is a continued stalemate, which could prompt Benzema to leave at the end of the season, forcing Al-Ittihad to enter the transfer market to find a world-class replacement, with names like Egyptian Mohamed Salah being mentioned. A third scenario remains: the continuation of the impasse until the end of the season, the worst-case scenario which would harm all parties.
