Former Real Madrid Karim Benzema refused to play for Al-Ittihad after a shocking renewal offer: €0 fixed salary, The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner is Set to Join Chelsea on a Free Transfer this January
The 38-year-old French striker has removed himself from the first-team squad and is now training alone as of Thursday.
Playing without Benzema on Thursday, Al Ittihad secured a 2-2 draw against Al Fateh in Saudi Pro League action. Saleh Al-Shehri filled Benzema’s position up front and opened the scoring in the 25th minute for Al Ittihad. Following the draw, the team currently sits in sixth place in the league standings.
Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, will become a free agent this summer when his contract expires. According to sources, the contract extension being offered by the Saudi Pro League—which manages deals for star players at PIF-owned clubs—would essentially see him playing for almost nothing.
The former Real Madrid captain enjoyed tremendous success with the Spanish giants, winning 25 trophies including four LaLiga titles, three Copa del Rey cups, and five Champions League crowns. Despite the current uncertainty, he’s been in solid form this season, scoring eight goals in 14 league matches.
Sources confirm he is carefully evaluating all his options moving forward.
Meanwhile, French winger Moussa Diaby is rumored to be on his way out of the club.
Additionally, French midfielder N’Golo Kanté is reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Turkish side Fenerbahçe. Like Benzema, Kanté’s contract expires this summer after spending three seasons in the Saudi Pro League. According to reports, Al Ittihad and Fenerbahçe are currently in negotiations over a transfer fee, as the Saudi club is eager to avoid losing Kanté without receiving any compensation.
