Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid star, has opted to stay with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, rejecting a potential move to the Premier League. Despite earlier speculation linking him with Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea, Benzema has decided to remain committed to the Saudi Pro League club.
Karim Benzema, 36, has snubbed a late move to the Premier League and will continue his tenure with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. The French striker, who signed a lucrative three-year deal with Al-Ittihad in the summer, was reportedly considering leaving the club after an unsanctioned holiday during the Saudi Pro League mid-season break.
Rumors had linked Benzema to various Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea. However, those speculations were quickly denied by Manchester United, and Benzema himself refuted claims of his departure in a recent interview with L’Equipe.
Despite the reported interest from his former club Lyon and other Premier League clubs, Benzema has made a final decision to stay with Al-Ittihad. The Athletic reports that the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner will remain with the reigning Saudi champions as the January transfer deadline approaches.
Benzema, who joined Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid in the summer, has been a key performer, scoring 12 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions. With a year-and-a-half left on his current contract, he seems content to continue his football journey in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement in November, Benzema expressed his motivation for the move to the Saudi Pro League, stating, “With everything I have achieved with Real Madrid, it was the right time for me to try a new challenge. I wanted to be part of the story and help Saudi football grow.”
While Benzema remains committed to Al-Ittihad, other stars in the Saudi Pro League, such as Jordan Henderson, who left for Ajax, and Aymeric Laporte, who hinted at player dissatisfaction, have made different decisions amid the mid-season transfer window.
Benzema’s choice to stay with Al-Ittihad signals his dedication to the football project and his desire to contribute to the growth of Saudi football, both on and off the pitch. As the Saudi Pro League resumes, Benzema could be a crucial asset for Al-Ittihad in their upcoming fixtures.
