The real reason why Karim Benzema wants to leave his Saudi club Al-Ittihad has been revealed
According to a source close to the club the former Real Madrid Star is leaving after he had a spat with the management.
The source said Benzema held a “raging” meeting with the club and its Argentinian coach Marcelo Gallardo last Friday.
Benzema told his coach and club management “he doesn’t feel he is able to give his best because of the current pressure at Ittihad”.
“Benzema asked to leave Ittihad temporarily to change the atmosphere,” the source added.
Al-Ittihad offered to loan the French striker to another Saudi Pro League club but he refused.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who was one of the highest-profile signings of the Saudi league last year and is reportedly being paid 100 million euros a season, returned to the club 17 days late after its mid-season break.
Reports in England say Premier League club Chelsea would be keen to take Benzema on loan in the current transfer window.
His former club in France, Lyon, could not afford his wages, according to their spokesman.
He said a possible loan deal for Benzema “had never been studied or considered”, adding: “It is not at all within Lyon’s financial means.”
Benzema has scored nine goals in the Saudi Pro League this season, but is well behind
Cristiano Ronaldo, who has netted 20 times for Al-Nassr.
Al-Ittihad are seventh in the division after three successive defeats. They have scored the fewest goals and conceded the most of the four teams owned by the PIF.
The league is due to resume on February 7.
Another high-profile recruitment to the Saudi league, former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, quit his club Al-Ettifaq to join Dutch side Ajax last week.
Henderson insisted his decision to return to Europe was made for football reasons because he wants to be in contention for England’s Euro 2024 squad.
