Between lackluster performances and confusion around a late return from Reunion because of Cyclone Belal, Karim Benzema’s adventure at Al-Ittihad already feels like it’s coming to an end. According to The Teamthe 2022 Ballon d’Or could leave the club based in Jeddah, but not Saudi Arabia, unlike Jordan Henderson, who has already deserted Al-Ettifaq to join Ajax Amsterdam.
The French center forward is of a completely different caliber from the English midfielder, and his hasty departure from the country would sound like a snub for the Saudi leaders who have brought in stars at a high price in recent months. If Al-Ittihad agrees, Benzema should join a Riyadh club (and incidentally keep his colossal salary).
Interested English clubs
The name of this potential employer is not known, but the capital is home to Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr (where Cristiano Ronaldo plays), respectively leader and second in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Ittihad is only 7th in a competition that the current ex-Madrilenian team will resume with a late match on February 7 against Al-Ta’ee, eight days before the official end of the break.
By then, the ex-Madrilenian, for whom Manchester United and Chelsea would have come in the news, should be fixed, and try to launch for good a Saudi adventure that is not very well underway.