Uncertainty and tension are mounting within the corridors of Saudi club Al-Ittihad after star striker Karim Benzema requested to be excluded from the squad for their match against Al-Najma in the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League. This request, coming at a crucial point in the season, has raised numerous questions about the player's future with the Jeddah-based club.
According to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, Benzema's request was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather the latest episode in a series of escalating tensions. Jacobs noted that "the situation is tense given the stalled contract renewal negotiations," adding that other players on the team are nearing the end of their contracts and are exerting similar pressure, putting Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo in an unenviable position.
Background of the crisis and its historical context
Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 in a high-profile transfer, part of the Saudi Public Investment Fund's ambitious project to elevate the league and attract top international stars. Despite a promising start, his first season in Saudi Arabia was marked by several ups and downs, including reports of disagreements with former coach Nuno Espírito Santo and periods of absence from training that sparked considerable controversy during the winter transfer window, with his name being linked to a return to Europe.
The impact of Benzema's absence on the team
Benzema's request to be left out comes at a time when Al-Ittihad, the reigning league champions, are suffering from a decline in both performance and results. Jacobs explained that Benzema, despite participating in group training sessions, has again informed the club's management that he is not mentally or physically ready to play. This absence exacerbates the team's attacking crisis, especially with the injury to local striker Saleh Al-Shehri, leaving coach Gallardo with very limited options up front. Furthermore, the coach's requests to sign a new striker and a central defender have not yet been met, compounding the challenges.
Importance and potential impacts
The impact of this crisis isn't limited to Al-Ittihad Club; it extends to the image of the Saudi League project as a whole. The escalating tension with a star of Benzema's caliber could send a negative message to other international players who might be targeted in the future. Domestically, this situation puts Al-Ittihad's management under immense pressure from fans and the media to find swift solutions, whether by resolving the dispute with the player or making decisive decisions regarding his future, to ensure the team's stability and its ability to compete for titles.
