Karim Benzema’s discomfort in Saudi Arabia seems to be confirmed day by day. Returning seventeen days late from his vacation last week (officially because of cyclone Belal), the French striker asked to leave his club Al-Ittihad, at least temporarily, assures AFP this Tuesday . He would feel “unable to give the best of himself to Al-Ittihad because of the pressure”.
Al-Ittihad offered him a loan to another team in the Saudi championship, adds AFP. An option refused by the 2022 Ballon d’or, who would a priori prefer to return to Europe. Contacted by AFP, the Frenchman’s entourage, under contract until 2026, did not wish to confirm this information.
“Lost the desire to play football”
The unease seems deep between Benzema and his club. Al-Ittihad, 7th in the Saudi Pro League after three consecutive defeats, is the least competitive team among the four bought by the rich Saudi Sovereign Fund (PIF), despite the presence of N’Golo Kanté and Fabinho.
On the field, KB9 drags on, isolated in attack, stingy in his efforts – which is not really like him. “He may be at odds with the club […] but that does not excuse him because he makes no effort, misses very easy opportunities and seems to have lost the desire to play football,” Saudi sports journalist Abdel Karim Al-Jasser told the channel a few weeks ago. Al-Ekhbariya public.