Mohammed Noor, the Al-Ittihad legend, made startling statements about the future of French striker Karim Benzema, asserting that his departure from the club during the current winter transfer window is imminent. Noor indicated that this information comes from his own sources, lending considerable weight to the speculation surrounding one of the Saudi Pro League's most prominent stars.
In his remarks to the program “Our League is Different,” Nour confidently stated, “My information indicates that Karim Benzema will leave Al-Ittihad during the current winter transfer window with a 98% probability.” He added that he did not have details regarding Benzema’s next destination, expressing his hope that the current crisis would be resolved in a way that satisfies all parties. These statements confirm the tension that has characterized Benzema’s relationship with the club recently.
Background to the crisis and escalating tensions
Benzema's journey with Al-Ittihad has not been as smooth as expected. After joining in the summer of 2013 in one of the biggest transfers in the history of the Saudi League, bringing with him the Ballon d'Or title, the player faced immense pressure and challenges in adapting. The crisis recently worsened with his absence from team training and his failure to join the pre-season camp in Dubai, which led Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo to exclude him from the squad for the King's Cup match against Al-Faisaly and the league match against Al-Tai. This was seen by many as a clear indication that the relationship between the two parties had reached an impasse.
The importance and expected impact of the departure
Benzema's potential departure would be a major blow not only to Al-Ittihad but to the Saudi Pro League as a whole. Domestically, Al-Ittihad, the reigning champions, would lose their captain and top scorer, on whom great hopes were pinned to lead the team to further titles. Regionally and internationally, the departure of a star of Benzema's caliber just months after his arrival could raise questions about the league's ability to attract and retain international stars in the long term, and might tarnish the image of the ambitious project aiming to make the Saudi Pro League one of the top 10 leagues in the world. This event, if it occurs, will be a true test of the resilience and appeal of the Roshan League in the face of unforeseen challenges.
