The debate is over: Karim Benzema continues his career with Al-Ittihad
After a period of uncertainty and speculation that dominated global and local media, the future of French star Karim Benzema, winner of the Ballon d'Or, with his current club Al-Ittihad Jeddah, has finally been decided. Contrary to rumors of an imminent departure, the veteran striker's continued presence with the Jeddah-based club has been confirmed, thus closing one of the most controversial chapters of the recent winter transfer window in the Saudi Professional League.
Background of the crisis and its historical context
Karim Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 in a record-breaking transfer from Real Madrid, becoming one of the stars of the ambitious Saudi Pro League project. His arrival was met with high hopes from Al-Ittihad fans, who expected him to defend the league title and compete strongly in continental competitions. Despite a promising start, the team's performance declined, coinciding with media reports suggesting that the player was not fully integrated and that his relationship with Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo was strained. The situation worsened when Benzema delayed his return from vacation after the first half of the season, leading to his exclusion from the team's pre-season training camp in Dubai, which fueled rumors of his departure.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Benzema's crisis posed a true test of the strength and appeal of the Saudi Pro League project. Domestically, the departure of a star of his caliber after only a few months would have been a major blow to Al-Ittihad and its ambitions. Regionally and internationally, the story generated widespread interest, as it could have been interpreted as an indication of the challenges faced by international stars in adapting to a new environment. Benzema's eventual decision to stay sent a positive message, confirming the league's ability to manage its stars and resolve internal conflicts, thus reinforcing its image as a stable and sustainable football destination. Now, everyone is eager to see how this experience will affect Benzema's performance on the pitch, and whether he can rediscover his form and lead Al-Ittihad to the desired titles in the second half of the season.
