Karim Benzema’s entourage respond to Al-Ittihad exit claims

Quoting Al-Ittihad club sources, AFP reported on Tuesday that Karim Benzema (36) wanted to leave the Saudi club, however, the Frenchman’s entourage have denied the reports. 

AFP reported that Benzema had asked to “temporarily” leave Al-Ittihad, who had offered to send him on loan to a rival club in the Gulf State. However, the former Real Madrid forward, who according to the club source, feels “unable to give the best version of himself due to the pressure”, rejected this option. 

Speaking to L’Équipe, Benzema’s entourage have dismissed the claims as “false” and a “media invention”. Should Benzema leave Al-Ittihad, a hypothesis that is denied by the player’s entourage, there would be limited options.

Benzema to Manchester United?

A return to formative club Olympique Lyonnais has been evoked, however, a potential Benzema has been described as “nonsense” by club sources, whilst the player’s entourage have confirmed that the rumours are “not true”. 

A return to Real Madrid is not on the agenda either, although a move to the Premier League would be possible. Chelsea could be an option, as could Manchester United, who recently appointed Omar Berrada as the club’s new CEO. The Moroccan is close to PIF executives and would potentially be capable of bringing the Frenchman to Old Trafford. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle