Louis-Jean cools talk of Benzema return to OL | OneFootball

Mathieu Louis-Jean has moved to temper excitement over a possible Karim Benzema homecoming at OL, saying the idea bordered on fantasy and was not feasible.

L’Equipe reports that Benzema was released by Al-Hilal on the final day of the window, and that both the 2022 Ballon d’Or and Lyon’s hierarchy mulled a reunion on a free, although an ambassador contract with the Saudi federation running to 2030 remained an obstacle.

Louis-Jean said OL had one approach via an intermediary but it went no further. Given Benzema’s contractual situation and the need to complete Lyon’s market business, the club quickly shelved the notion as unworkable.

It remains to be seen what Benzema does next, with supporters having allowed themselves to dream of a return.

In April, during an Instagram live, he expressed a desire to start by coaching younger age groups, voiced misgivings about the current set-up, and said he wanted to be close to the youngsters, adding it remains in the back of his mind.

Source: Le Progres

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”