The debate intensifies regarding Benzema's future with Al-Ittihad
The uncertainty surrounding the future of French star Karim Benzema, the striker for Saudi club Al-Ittihad, has increased after the team's manager, Argentinian Marcelo Gallardo, preferred not to comment definitively on the player's fate during the winter transfer window, which opened the door wide to speculations and rumors linking him to leaving Jeddah a few months after his sensational signing.
Background to the historic move to the Saudi League
The signing of Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, by Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 was a historic deal that shook the world of football. His transfer from Real Madrid, where he had enjoyed a legendary and trophy-laden career, was part of the Saudi Professional League's ambitious project to attract the game's biggest stars. The 36-year-old was given a massive fan welcome, and high hopes were pinned on him to lead Al-Ittihad to further domestic and continental success, especially after the team's league title win the season before his arrival.
Developments in the crisis and ambiguous statements
Despite a promising start, Benzema's relationship with the club became noticeably strained at the beginning of the new year. International media reports indicated his absence from training and his delayed return from vacation, which displeased the coaching and administrative staff. Amidst this atmosphere, terse comments from coach Marcelo Gallardo only deepened the crisis. He avoided discussing the player's future, simply stating his focus on the available players, which many interpreted as an indication of genuine disagreements.
Press reports and speculation about his departure
Press reports have fueled the speculation, with reliable transfer market expert Santi Ona reporting that a meeting is expected between Al-Ittihad's management and Benzema's representatives to discuss the situation. Ona indicated that a return to Europe is not a top priority for the French star at the moment, citing his rejection of an offer from Italian club Juventus. Meanwhile, other rumors have linked him to a move to another Saudi Arabian club, while French reports suggest that his former club, Olympique Lyonnais, is keen to bring him back on loan.
The importance of the crisis and its potential impact
There is no doubt that Benzema's potential departure just months after his arrival would be a major blow to Al-Ittihad's project, which had built its attacking plans around him. It would also raise questions about the Saudi league's ability to retain its international stars in the long term and their adaptability to new environments. From a technical standpoint, despite the ongoing controversy, Benzema performed relatively well, appearing in 20 matches for Al-Ittihad across various official competitions before the winter break, scoring 12 goals and providing 5 assists, highlighting the significant void his departure would leave.
