Karim Benzema’s Training Outburst Amid Arsenal, Chelsea, and Man Utd Transfer Speculations
Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid striker, has found himself in a precarious situation in Saudi Arabia. The 36-year-old joined Al-Ittihad on a free transfer last summer after an illustrious 14-year career with Real Madrid, where he scored an impressive 354 goals and won 25 trophies. However, it seems that life in Jeddah has not lived up to his expectations, and he is actively seeking a return to European football after just six months.
Benzema’s desire to leave Al-Ittihad has attracted interest from top Premier League clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. His representatives explored potential moves during the January transfer window, but no deal materialized. Despite the interest from these clubs, Al-Ittihad made it clear that they had no intention of letting go of the forward. Furthermore, Benzema’s extravagant wage demands proved to be a stumbling block in negotiations.
According to reports from Spanish publication Marca, Benzema’s frustration reached boiling point during a training session on Monday. Al-Ittihad’s head coach, Marcelo Gallardo, ordered the striker to train alone after an initial session with the rest of the team. However, Benzema refused and became increasingly angry before storming off in front of his stunned teammates.
This outburst is not the first sign of discontent from Benzema. Last month, he was exiled by the Al-Ittihad squad for failing to report for training and subsequently going AWOL on a trip to Mauritius. The club was unable to contact him for ten days, fueling speculation about his future. Despite being tied to a contract until 2026 and reportedly earning €100m-per-season (£85m-per-season), Benzema seems determined to secure a move back to European football.
The possibility of Benzema joining Manchester United has been a topic of discussion among fans and pundits. Former Manchester United and England striker, Andy Cole, believes that his former club should make every effort to sign Benzema. Cole stated, “If Manchester United have the opportunity to sign him, then they should definitely try and make that happen.” He praised Benzema’s abilities and highlighted his impressive career achievements, suggesting that he could still perform at a high level in the Premier League.
Benzema’s situation in Saudi Arabia is not unique, as several high-profile stars have chosen to ply their trade in the country. However, it seems that the allure of European football is too strong for the Frenchman to resist. With his desire to leave Al-Ittihad and the interest from top Premier League clubs, it remains to be seen where Benzema will end up.
In conclusion, Karim Benzema’s future in Saudi Arabia hangs in the balance as he grows increasingly unhappy with life at Al-Ittihad. The striker’s training outburst and desire to return to European football have sparked speculation about potential moves to Arsenal, Chelsea, or Manchester United. Despite facing obstacles such as his current contract and wage demands, Benzema’s talent and achievements make him an attractive prospect for top clubs. Only time will tell where the veteran Frenchman will continue his career.