The Special One's First Wish: Is a Karim Benzema Reunion on the Cards at Benfica? | OneFootball

Portuguese coach pushes for striker’s return amid uncertain Al Ittihad future

The Special One's First Wish: Is a Karim Benzema Reunion on the Cards at Benfica?

Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho's reportedly eager to reunite with Karim Benzema at Benfica as the French star edges into the final year of his Al Ittihad contract.

Mourinho's fresh start at Benfica

Mourinho was appointed Benfica boss last Thursday replacing Bruno Lage after the club's Champions League defeat to Qarabag.

According to Somos Fanaticos, one of his first requests is the signing of Benzema .. a player he coached successfully at Real Madrid.

Benfica’s transfer gamble

The 37 year old striker's future in Saudi Arabia remains unclear and Benfica could make move should he become available.

However reports stress that Benzema would need to accept reduced salary for any transfer to materialize.

A proven partnership

During their time together at Madrid, Mourinho & Benzema lifted both La liga and the Copa del Rey.

Across 150 appearances under the Portuguese coach, Benzema scored 78 goal cementing himself as a key figure in that era.