Saudi Arabia has become an emerging market for accomplished European talents in their post-prime years. Following the transfer of 5-times Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr, former Real Madrid player Karim Benzema is another notable name to make the move.
Despite facing challenges with his former manager Nuno Espírito Santo and temporarily closing his social media accounts due to fan abuse, the Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema has maintained an impressive goalscoring record in the Saudi Pro League with Al Ittihad. Recent reports suggest that, contrary to earlier speculation, he might not be considering an exit.
Karim Benzema’s immediate future indicated
Despite reported interest from Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United, Karim Benzema is almost certain to stay at Al-Ittihad. According to L’Equipe, the former Ballon d’Or winner is set to remain with the Saudi club for at least another season, with sources indicating he feels good and is expected to return to Jeddah to resume training.
🚨 Karim Benzema returned to Jeddah and should resume training tomorrow. ✅
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 18, 2024
According to those close to him, he will stay at Al-Ittihad 100%.
(Source: @hugoguillemet / @lequipe) pic.twitter.com/1UEV5j2pLG
During his 6 month stint after joining Al-Ittihad on a free transfer from Spanish Giant Real Madrid, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has scored 9 goals and provided 5 assists in 15 league matches, which shows the scintillating form the striker is in currently in front of goal.
Karim Benzema files defamation suit
Karim Benzema filed a defamation lawsuit against France’s Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin on 17th January, who accused the soccer star of having links to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Speaking to French TV channel CNews, Darmanin said, “We have closed 1,100 Islamist establishments. And in recent weeks, I’ve been particularly interested, Benzema is linked, we all know it, notoriously with the Muslim Brotherhood.”
Star footballer Karim Benzema has filed a defamation complaint against French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin who said that Benzema had links with the Muslim Brotherhood ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/8GMGIolvma
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 17, 2024
However, there is no credible evidence or information associating Karim Benzema with the Brotherhood or any terrorist organization based on a message of support for the people of Gaza.
“All our prayers for the inhabitants of Gaza who are once again victims of these unjust bombings which spare no women or children,” 36-year old Al-Ittihad striker wrote on X on October 15.
Toutes nos prières pour les habitants de Gaza victimes une fois de plus de ces bombardements injustes qui n’épargnent ni femmes ni enfants.
— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) October 15, 2023
In his complaint, filed with the Court of Justice of the Republic, Benzema firmly denied any links with the Muslim Brotherhood or any member of the organization adding that he had been portrayed as being close to the enemy or directly an enemy and that it was a breach of his honor.
“The Interior Minister does not hesitate to drag my name through the mud for non-existent links with this organization,” Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema said in his complaint against France’s interior minister.
6 months into his shocking move to Saudi Arabia, the French National Team player has been surrounded by controversies and transfer dilemma even after performing consistently throughout the current season. It will be interesting to see whether the off-ground matters effect the on-field form of the world class striker.
