Karim Benzema has asked to ‘temporarily’ leave Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ittihad after ‘being excluded from training’… as striker also ‘refuses potential loan move to a league rival’
- Reports claim that Karim Benzema is seeking an exit from Saudi Arabia
- Benzema has been linked with a return to Lyon following his turmoil at Al-Ittihad
- Be careful what you wish for Palace fans! Do you want to become a yo-yo club? It all starts
Karim Benzema has reportedly asked to leave Saudi Arabian giant Al-Ittihad ‘temporarily’, according to reports.
It was reported on Tuesday that Benzema remains banned from Al-Ittihad’s squad and is reportedly training alone as his teammates prepare for the resumption of the Saudi Pro League season after returning 17 days late from holiday.
Reports from France now claim that the former Real Madrid striker has asked to leave the club after feeling ‘under pressure’ at Al-Ittihad.
According to AFPAl-Ittihad have since offered to loan the striker to another team in the Saudi Championship, but the idea was rejected by Benzema.
The same source claimed that the 36-year-old “feels unable to give his best to Al-Ittihad due to the pressure.”
Karim Benzema has reportedly asked to ‘temporarily’ leave Saudi Arabian giant Al-Ittihad
Former Real Madrid star Benzema could join ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson (R) in leaving Saudi Arabia after the midfielder terminated his contract with Al-Ettifaq
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner infuriated his current employers, who expected him to report on January 2 ahead of mid-season training camp. This was reported by a source close to the club France 24 that they had not been able to reach him for ten days.
According to MarcaAs a result, Benzema has been left out of the trip to Dubai by manager Marcelo Gallardo and continues to prepare on his own for the league’s resumption on February 7.
The outlet claims the 36-year-old insisted his slowness was due to a cyclone that hit the island of Mauritius, where he was vacationing. However, Al-Ittihad was already angry about his absence from three training sessions before the end of last year.
The news comes amid reports of the 36-year-old quickly leaving the club and completing a fairytale return to his boyhood club Lyon this month.
The former France international has now become the latest of last summer’s high-profile recruits to reportedly be looking for a move.
Former Liverpool captain ended his time in Saudi Arabia earlier this month when he terminated his contract with Al-Ettifaq in favor of a return to European football.
Henderson signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Dutch giants until June 30, 2026, after leaving the Saudi Pro League.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner infuriated his current employers, who expected him to report on January 2 ahead of mid-season training camp.
Henderson joined Ajax earlier this month after leaving Saudi club Al-Ettifaq
Henderson’s former teammate, Roberto Firmino, is also reportedly looking to leave Al-Ahli and has not started any of the last seven games. A number of Premier League teams are interested in his services.
Last week reports emerged that Lyon are trying to bring former striker Karim Benzema back to the club where it all started.
While the club are in talks with the Ballon d’Or winner, finances are believed to be a potential hurdle in any potential deal.
