What really happened before Benzema left Al-Ittihad? New details emerge | OneFootball

Contract dispute sparked explosive Jeddah exit

What really happened before Benzema left Al-Ittihad? New details emerge

Karim Benzema joined Al Hilal from Al Ittihad after contract disagreement ending his spell in Jeddah before his deal expired.

Final hours before Benzema’s exit

Reports have revealed new details about the last hours of Karim Benzema’s time at Al-Ittihad before he completed controversial move to Al-Hilal during the winter transfer window.

The French striker joined Al-Ittihad in summer 2023 after leaving Real Madrid and his contract was expected to run until summer 2026.

However Benzema’s time at the club ended early after tensions grew between the player and the management.

He was absent from Al-Ittihad’s Saudi Pro League match against Al-Fateh despite no official reports suggesting injury or fitness issue.

Contract talks trigger the break

Reports say Benzema’s absence was linked to problems during negotiations over contract extension.

Al-Ittihad reportedly made offer that Benzema rejected as it would have involved him playing without salary while receiving full profits from his image rights.

The disagreement escalated quickly. With talks collapsing, Al-Hilal stepped in and signed the former Ballon d’Or winner before the transfer window closed.

Benzema agreed new deal with Al-Hilal running until summer 2027 after his contract with Al-Ittihad was terminated.

Waleed Alfaraj: Benzema refused improved offer

Saudi journalist Waleed Alfaraj speaking on MBC Action explained that Al-Ittihad later presented improved proposal through Benzema’s brother who also acts as his agent.

However, Benzema rejected the offer and insisted on moving to Al-Hilal.

ESPN also reported that Benzema trained away from the main group after feeling insulted by the extension terms and he removed himself from the squad in the days before the transfer was completed.

Ronaldo frustrated by the move

The switch has reportedly caused anger for Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al-Nassr who did not want Al-Hilal to strengthen further.

Ronaldo is said to be unhappy with the spending gap between the clubs, with Al-Hilal investing far more heavily in transfers in recent seasons.

The transfer has added more tension to the title race, with Al-Hilal leading Al-Nassr by just one point.

Benzema’s numbers at Al-Ittihad

Despite the difficult ending, Benzema delivered strong stats this season. He played 21 match across all competitions and scored 16 goal remaining one of the league’s top forwards.