Karim Benzema would prefer to return to Real Madrid over a move to England if he ends up leaving Al-Ittihad in the coming days.
According to HITC, Karim Benzema would lean towards a return to Real Madrid if he chooses to leave Al-Ittihad in the coming period. There are tensions between the Saudi Arabia club and the 15-goal striker, as new director Ramon Planes will talk with the Frenchman to resolve his situation.
The Karim Benzema situation as it stands
Recently, many rumours have come out in the media about high-profile summer signings of the Saudi Pro League wanting out. Roberto Firmino has been linked with a return to Europe, while Jordan Henderson has already sealed a move to Ajax. Karim Benzema’s future has also come under scrutiny for events in the past few days.
Benzema missed the resumption of training after a break and failed to link up with the rest of the Al-Ittihad squad in Jeddah. Manager Marcelo Gallardo subsequently axed his 15-goal striker from the camp to Dubai, which has escalated tensions between the parties and given rise to speculation the Frenchman might depart the club.
Manchester United and Real Madrid saw immediately linked to the striker, as both teams are searching for a forward to boost their attack. The idea is of a loan deal until June, after which Al-Ittihad might decide. However, recently appointed director Ramon Planes has been tasked with resolving this issue, as the Spaniard will hold talks with the Frenchman.
Unlike Firmino or Henderson, Benzema carries a higher profile in the context of the Saudi Pro League and is probably the second highest-paid player behind Cristiano Ronaldo. Hence, considering the stakes, it’s a tricky situation for the European clubs to sign him and for Al-Ittihad to lose him.
Karim Benzema leans towards Real Madrid’s return.
As per the report, Benzema would lean towards a return to Real Madrid over joining one of the English sides should he depart Al-Ittihad. The Frenchman had many great seasons with the Spanish giants, although Florentino Perez is not overly keen on bringing his former talisman. Manchester United also have a similar thought and may have already ruled out a move for the Frenchman.
Benzeman also has Arsenal’s interest, with Mikel Arteta probably thinking about the 36-year-old as a stopgap option to improve his strikeforce. There are chances the Gunners might open talks if they get an indication the Frenchman could depart Saudi Arabia.
Similarly, there is also Chelsea’s interest, with Mauricio Pochettino contemplating a move, considering all their big striker targets might only come through in the summer. For now, there’s no decision on Benzema’s future, with Al-Ittihad unlikely to want to lose their highest-profile player over a resolvable issue.
