Karim Benzema refuses to play for Al-Ittihad | OneFootball

Karim Benzema (38) is refusing to play for Al-Ittihad amid a contract standoff, according to a report from Foot Mercato.

Benzema, a former Ballon d’Or winner, joined Al-Ittihad on a free transfer back in 2023, upon the expiry of his contract at Real Madrid, where he was instrumental in the club’s domination, both in Spain and in Europe. 

However, his contract with the Saudi Pro League club is up in the summer. There are, therefore, talks over a contract renewal, but those talks are not going well. The Frenchman is so unhappy about Al-Ittihad’s most recent proposal, in fact, that he has informed that he will participate in the club’s upcoming match against Al Fateh.

Could Benzema return to Europe?

That decision was taken by the player himself. The situation between the former Real Madrid forward and his club remains tense. Could a return to Europe be on the cards? Compatriot Khéphren Thuram opened the door to Benzema making the move to Juventus. “If he wants to come, we would be delighted,” said the France international

GFFN | Luke Entwistle