Karim Benzema Set For Talks With Al Ittihad As Chelsea Joins Lyon For Competition For His Services
All is not well at Al Ittihad between Karim Benzema and Al Ittihad after the Frenchman was omitted from Marcelo Gallardo’s mid-season training camp squad. The reasoning behind the omission was that Benzema had gone on holiday without seeking prior permission from anyone at the club.
The one-time Ballon d’Or winner has rubbished reports saying he wants to leave, but rumors continue to linger. According to Marca, a meeting between Benzema, his representatives, and the club’s directors is set for sometime next week.
Al Ittihad will be acutely aware of the PR implications of their star player leaving the project six months into his contract. With players like Jordan Henderson citing adjustment issues to life in the Saudi Pro League, a continuation of this trend might present Al Ittihad and other Saudi Pro League clubs with the challenge of attracting and retaining top talent.
With the club considering the far-reaching implications of letting Karim Benzema return to Europe, a move to Lyon may prove complication due to the Ligue 1 club’s financial constraints.
Another contender that might be able to pull off the move is Chelsea. The London club has had some trouble upfront with Nkunku injured for most of the season. Jackson managing only eight goals, and Broja scoring two. Adding a world-class number nine would boost Pochetino, but given his age, wage demands, and Al Ittihad’s unwillingness to let him go, this might be a losing battle.
