Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed detailed information about the escalating crisis between French star Karim Benzema and the management of Saudi club Al-Ittihad, confirming that the relationship between the two parties has reached a critical point. Although a final decision regarding his future has been postponed, current indications paint a bleak picture of the player's future with the club.
Background to the move and high expectations
The signing of Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema by Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 was a sensational transfer that shook the football world. His move from Real Madrid, after a legendary career, was part of the Saudi Professional League's ambitious project to attract the game's biggest stars. High hopes were pinned on Benzema to lead the team to retain the league title and achieve continental success, especially since he arrived at the peak of his career. However, the French star's first season did not go as planned. The team's performance was clearly inconsistent, and Benzema's time at the club was marked by periods of tension with coaches, criticism from some fans and the media, and absences due to injury, all of which increased the pressure on both the player and the club's management.
Details of the current crisis
According to Romano, the simmering tensions recently reached a boiling point. He indicated that Benzema views the contract renewal offer presented by the club's management as "a major insult, both professionally and personally," which led him to categorically reject the offer. The situation worsened when the French player requested to be left out of the squad for the match against Al-Najma, a move reflecting the depth of the disagreement and his desire to send a clear message to the management. These developments confirm that the crisis is not merely a financial dispute, but extends to concerns about appreciation and the team's future.
Local and international impact and an uncertain future
This crisis extends beyond the walls of Al-Ittihad Club, casting a shadow over the reputation of the entire Saudi league. The way the future of a star of Benzema's caliber is handled will be a significant indicator for other international players considering a move to the Kingdom. Domestically, this issue presents Al-Ittihad's management with a major challenge. According to Romano, Benzema will remain with the team until next summer, at which point the management will make its final decision: either to meet his demands and offer him a new contract on his preferred terms, or to allow him to leave. The report indicates that Benzema has several options available to him, including a return to one of the major European leagues or a new experience in Major League Soccer, further deepening the uncertainty surrounding his future.
