The future of French duo Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté at Saudi club Al-Ittihad remains uncertain, with fans eagerly awaiting news on whether they will stay with the club or leave as their contracts near their end. These developments come as the club's management seeks to restructure the squad to ensure technical stability for the coming seasons.
Details of the negotiations and renewal terms
According to the Saudi sports program "Our League is Different," Al-Ittihad's management has already opened direct communication channels and is continuing negotiations with striker Karim Benzema to renew his contract, which expires at the end of the season. Sources indicated that there is a mutual desire to ensure the team captain remains with the Tigers.
Regarding the midfield dynamo N’Golo Kante, the program confirmed that there is a strong administrative desire to renew his contract as well, given his high technical value. However, this renewal is conditional on a financial aspect, as the administration seeks to reach an agreement to reduce the financial compensation that the player receives compared to the huge contract that was concluded with him when he came in the summer of 2023.
The context of the Saudi sports project and the influence of stars
To understand the significance of these negotiations, one must return to the broader context in which the duo joined Al-Ittihad. The summer of 2023 marked a historic turning point for the Saudi Professional League (the Roshan League), as Saudi clubs attracted a host of world-class stars. The arrival of Benzema, a Ballon d'Or winner, and Kanté, a World Cup champion, sent a powerful message about the seriousness of the Saudi sports project and Al-Ittihad's ambition to compete for continental and global titles.
The technical and strategic importance of renewal
Renewing Karim Benzema's contract is of paramount importance, extending far beyond his technical abilities. He represents the face of the project and is a leader with extensive experience gained from his glory years with Real Madrid. His continued presence means maintaining the team's attacking prowess and leveraging his expertise to mentor young players, especially given the fierce competition from Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli.
On the other hand, N'Golo Kanté is an indispensable pillar of the midfield. Despite his age, he has proven that he still possesses exceptional physical fitness and an outstanding ability to win back possession and initiate attacks, as clearly demonstrated in his impressive performance with the French national team at Euro 2024. Therefore, the federation's attempt to retain him, even with a salary reduction, reflects shrewd management aimed at balancing technical prowess with the club's financial sustainability.
In conclusion, the success of the Federation in finalizing the renewal of the contracts of the French duo will send a reassuring message to the Federation supporters, and confirms the administration’s determination to compete strongly in all local and Asian championships in the coming seasons.
