Lyon fail in their attempts to sign Karim Benzema

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Lyon have failed in their attempts to sign Karim Benzema (36) from Al-Ittihad. Despite exploring the possibility of the former Real Madrid striker returning to OL, Benzema is now set to remain in Saudi Arabia. 

Lyon owner John Textor was keen to bring the Al-Ittihad striker back to France but the forward would have had to make serious financial sacrifices if he had returned, according to Fabrice Hawkins. Lyon were not the only club interested in signing Benzema in January with Chelsea and Manchester United also enquiring about his situation, according to L’Équipe. 

Karim Benzema is a graduate of Lyon’s youth academy and had a successful spell at the club before securing a move to Real Madrid in 2009. The former France international made 144 appearances for Les Gones, scoring 66 goals. He also won 4 Ligue 1 titles with the club. 

Benzema to remain in Saudi Arabia 

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner’s difficult start to life in Saudi Arabia has been well-publicised. However, despite heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike, the 36-year-old is set to remain at Al-Ittihad for the foreseeable future. Benzema has scored 12 goals in 20 appearances for the Saudi Pro League club. 

GFFN | Liam Wraith