Fabrizio Romano confirms legendary Real Madrid forward has not been offered to Barcelona | OneFootball

Karim Benzema will not be making a sensational move to Barcelona after leaving Al-Hilal, with transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano shutting down suggestions that the former Real Madrid striker could return to European football.

Benzema’s departure from Al-Hilal naturally sparked questions over his next move, particularly with Barcelona having strengthened their options at centre-forward this summer. 

The Frenchman was never offered to the Catalan club, though, and Romano says a return to Europe is not part of his plans.

“Many questions about Karim Benzema. Karim Benzema was not offered to Barcelona, and Karim Benzema is not going to European clubs,” said the Italian journalist.

Romano went further, explaining that Benzema’s future now appears to come down to a choice between retirement and remaining in the Middle East.

“My understanding is that Karim is not going to play in Europe. Karim Benzema’s plan is between two options.

Karim Benzema has not been offered to Barcelona. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

“One way is to retire and to leave professional football. The other way is to continue in the Middle East.

“So these are the two ways for Benzema. There is no anticipation or expectation of Benzema’s free move to any European club.”

Why Benzema was linked with Barcelona

Benzema’s availability created an obvious opportunity for speculation, as Barcelona have been looking for experience in the number nine position, making the 38-year-old a natural name for rumours after his Al-Hilal exit.

Those links, though, were not based on an offer to Barcelona. 

Benzema has left Al-Hilal following a request from coach Simone Inzaghi, who no longer considers the veteran forward necessary for his plans during the current season.

Benzema is unlikely to return to Europe. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

That has left the former Ballon d’Or winner facing an important decision over the next stage of his career.

Barcelona have no reason to pursue Benzema

Barcelona’s position also makes a move difficult to justify. 

The club is satisfied with their current squad, while the arrival of Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal has already added another experienced attacking option.

With Jesus now part of the squad, Barcelona have little sporting need to bring in another centre-forward, particularly one whose future is still uncertain.

Benzema’s next destination therefore appears increasingly likely to be outside European football, and it is understandably a story that does not concern Barcelona in any way.