New Juventus midfielder Kevrin Thuram's comments have reignited the debate surrounding the future of French star Karim Benzema, the current striker for Saudi club Al-Ittihad, indicating that the doors of the "Old Lady" are open to the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner.
In a press statement that garnered international media attention, Thuram said, "Karim Benzema is happy in Saudi Arabia, but if he decides to come to Juventus, we would be very happy about that." While the statement appears casual, it carries an implicit welcome from within the dressing room of one of Europe's biggest clubs, fueling speculation about a potential sensational return of Benzema to the continent.
Context of the move to Saudi Arabia and historical background
This controversy comes a year after Benzema's move to the Saudi Professional League in the summer of 2023, a move that was part of a massive sporting project to attract top international stars to the Kingdom. Following a legendary 14-year career with Real Madrid, during which he won every possible title and the Ballon d'Or, his transfer to Al-Ittihad marked a new turning point in his career. Despite delivering strong performances and scoring crucial goals, press reports have highlighted periods of instability and difficulty adapting, making his departure from Jeddah a possibility in the transfer market.
The importance of the potential deal and its expected impact
Domestically, the arrival of a player of Karim Benzema's caliber and experience represents an exceptional boost for Juventus. The Italian club, striving to return to European and domestic glory, lacks a prolific striker with a commanding presence up front. Benzema will be able to provide immediate attacking solutions, in addition to serving as a mentor to the team's younger players, such as Dušan Vlahović.
Regionally, this deal will bolster the competitiveness of Serie A in general, confirming that its clubs are still capable of attracting world-class stars. Internationally, Benzema's return to the Champions League will be an event eagerly anticipated by football fans worldwide, while it may raise questions about the Saudi league's ability to retain its stars in the long term.
So far, no official negotiations have taken place between Juventus and Benzema's representatives, but Thuram's comments could be a trial balloon or a direct message to the player that there is genuine interest. The French striker's future remains uncertain, whether he will complete his contract in Saudi Arabia or take on one last challenge in European football.
