A serious rift has reportedly emerged between Karim Benzema and Al-Ittihad, casting doubt over the French striker’s future in Saudi Arabia and reigniting speculation about a possible return to European football.
According to reports, Benzema has reacted angrily to a contract extension offer presented to him ahead of the expiry of his current deal in June. Sources close to the player have described the proposal as “insulting”, claiming it fell far below expectations and excluded image rights, a key component of modern elite football contracts.
The dispute has marked a sharp turn in what was once presented as a mutually beneficial relationship. Since arriving in the Saudi Pro League, Benzema has publicly praised the country and its football project, praise that was widely understood to be aligned with one of the most lucrative contracts of his career. That goodwill now appears to be under strain.
The former Real Madrid captain, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2022, has reportedly taken a firm stance by stepping aside and refusing to play for Al-Ittihad. This move signals a growing standoff between the player and the Saudi Pro League authorities, who are understood to play a decisive role in major contract negotiations involving marquee players.
With the transfer window nearing its close, uncertainty around Benzema’s future has intensified. An early departure from Saudi Arabia, once considered unlikely, is now firmly back on the table. European clubs are said to be monitoring the situation closely, with Juventus among those reportedly linked to the veteran striker.
For Al-Ittihad and the Saudi league, the situation presents an awkward challenge. Benzema was signed not only as a footballer, but as a symbol of the league’s ambition and global appeal. A breakdown in relations with one of its highest-profile signings risks raising uncomfortable questions about long-term player satisfaction and contract management.
While no official statement has been issued by Benzema or Al-Ittihad, the silence has done little to calm speculation. For now, the saga continues, with both sides locked in a tense waiting game that could reshape one of the Saudi Pro League’s most high-profile signings.
What began as a headline-grabbing move now appears to be drifting towards an uncertain ending, and the coming days may prove decisive in determining whether Benzema’s Saudi chapter closes sooner than expected.
