Credit: Twitter
Karim Benzema’s dream move to Saudi Arabia has taken a wrong turn, as the French striker, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2022, is reportedly unhappy at Al-Ittihad and wants to leave the club after clashing with manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in June 2023 after leaving Real Madrid, where he scored 354 goals and won 25 trophies in 14 years. He signed a three-year deal worth more than $100 million with the Saudi champions, who also have former Tottenham boss Nuno as their coach.
However, according to a recent report from Saudi newspaper Al-Awsat, Nuno has informed the board that Benzema does not fit into his tactical style and that he was not keen on signing him in the first place. The Portuguese manager also rejected Benzema’s request for the captain’s armband, which is currently worn by Saudi defender Omar Hawsawi.
The report claims that Benzema is ‘not comfortable’ working in the current environment at Al-Ittihad and that he is looking for a way out of the club. The 35-year-old has scored no goals in just two appearances for Al-Ittihad so far, but he has not been able to replicate his form and influence from his Real Madrid days.
Benzema’s departure could have a huge impact on the Saudi Pro League, which has been attracting some of the world’s best players in recent years. Cristiano Ronaldo, who is Benzema’s former teammate, plays for another Saudi club, Al-Nassr.
Jota to leave Al-Ittihad too?
Similar reports have arisen about Portuguese forward Jota too. The 24-year-old, who signed a lucrative contract worth millions, was expected to realise his ambition of joining Al-Ittihad. He joined a team that featured former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante, and former Liverpool star Fabinho, in addition to other prominent players. He was anticipated to play a significant role for Nuno Espirito Santo.
However, since Jota arrived in the Middle East, things have gotten worse for him. In the league, he has only played as a substitute twice, totaling 32 minutes. In his six outings for Al-Ittihad, including four games in the Arab Club Champions Cup, he has also failed to score or provide an assist. Club legend Mohammad Nour blasted Jota, claiming that he was "not suitable" for Al-Ittihad and that it would be preferable to "change him now" rather than regret it later. He has failed to impress Nuno and talks about his move to join Al-Shabab, who is a rival club to Al-Ittihad have emerged.
