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‘Under Pressure’ at Al Ittihad, Karim Benzema Wants To Leave the Club ‘Temporarily’

Published 01/23/2024, 9:23 AM EST

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The allure of the Saudi Pro League, with its petro-dollars and promise of relaxed twilight to an illustrious career, may have initially seduced Karim Benzema. But just six months into his adventure with Al-Ittihad, the Frenchman is reportedly seeking a temporary escape. The murmurs about his return to Europe were dismissed initially, but recent development suggests it does seem to be becoming more likely.

Whispers of discontent had been swirling around Karim Benzema’s camp for some time, and the relationship looks to have strained more now between him and Al-Ittihad. So, let’s uncover this latest layer of drama surrounding Benzema.

Karim Benzema seeks temporary exit from Saudi

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As Al-Ittihad aims to strike back and challenge for the Saudi League title in the second half, a tale of tension and discord has risen. Sources close to the club revealed that Karim Benzema, feeling the weight of expectations, expressed a desire to step away temporarily. He cited intense pressure at the club as the primary reason for his request.

The situation escalated during a reportedly heated meeting with the club, where the 36-year-old striker revealed his sentiments. Benzema declared that he couldn’t deliver his best performance on the pitch under the current circumstances. Al-Ittihad is furious with the striker, who returned late from holiday and doesn’t seem that interested in playing for them again. Since then, Benzema has been training alone in Jeddah, not permitted for ‘disciplinary reasons.’

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Al-Ittihad also extended a resolution by offering to loan Karim Benzema to another club within the Saudi Pro League. However, this gesture was met with a refusal from the Frenchman. The veteran striker has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 15 matches for Al-Ittihad this season in the Saudi Pro League.

Karim Benzema Might Join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr as Al Ittihad Star Nears Exit in January

Chelsea interested in signing Benzema

As the dust settles in the Saudi Arabian desert, speculations suggest that the allure of Karim Benzema hasn’t exited Europe. Premier League giants Chelsea remains eager to secure the services of the Ballon d’Or winner on loan. The prospect of Benzema gracing the Premier League has now ignited excitement among fans, adding a layer to an already complex situation.

As the Saudi Pro League braces for a return on February 7th, the fate of Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad hangs in balance. Will the French striker find a solution with a temporary departure, or will he continue with All-Ittihad? The unfolding chapters of this saga promise the answers to these questions. All eyes will be on Karim Benzema in the upcoming days.

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Written by:

Sahil Sharma

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I am Sahil Sharma, a dedicated soccer writer with a profound commitment to the beautiful game. My journey as a soccer enthusiast dates back to my childhood, but it was in 2014, when Real Madrid clinched their historic 10th UEFA Champions League title, the famed La Decima, that my passion for the sport truly ignited. That momentous triumph transformed me into an ardent Madridista.
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Edited by:

Jacob Gijy