Karim Benzema is looking to leave Al Ittihad only one year after joining the club, according to several reports. The former Ballon d’or winner recently shared his disappointment at the situation with his friends when he returned to Madrid.
The striker was signed on a massive €200 million contract, after leaving Real Madrid as a free agent in what was a surprise move after the quality of the season he had just finished.
Karim Benzema looking for Al Ittihad exit only one year after signing
🚨🚨| JUST IN: Benzema would like to LEAVE Al Ittihad, despite knowing that the club won't make it easy for him! 🇫🇷👋
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) May 20, 2024
During his recent visit to Madrid, he expressed to his friends the "disappointing" experience he's had in Saudi Arabia.
[@relevo] pic.twitter.com/2fJrZB5KxN
The 36-year-old is reportedly dissatisfied with the lack of professionalism in the league, and is eager to seal a transfer away this summer. However, the Saudi Pro League authorities might not sanction the transfer considering his value to the league as a whole.
Karim Benzema has struggled with Al Ittihad in his first season, missing eight games with a back injury, followed by a muscle injury. However, he has scored 13 goals in 29 appearances for the club while providing eight assists.
The striker’s current deal runs until 2026, meaning he will have to continue in Saudi Arabia unless a major offer from a European club arrives to secure a transfer away. And as things stand, there is no one interested or capable to sign one of the SPL’s biggest stars.