Karim Benzema may be on his way back to Europe after a storied six-month spell with Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad.
Fabrizio Romano reports discussions on the future of Karim Benzema has intensified among Saudi officials, who are reportedly not ready to sanction his exit from the Gulf State.
The report adds Al-Ittihad football chiefs are ready to allow Karim Benzema leave the club but only to another Saudi club not a return to Europe.
Meanwhile, the 2021 Ballon d'Or winner has been axed from Al-Ittihad training as uncertainties over his future continue to mount with the Saudi bosses reportedly set to take a decision on his future after talks.
It is understood Karim Benzema has struggled to adapt to life in Saudi Arabia following his groundbreaking exit from Europe last summer.
Benzema joined Al-Ittihad on a three-year contract and was among the highest-paid former European footballers who were plying their trade in Saudi Arabia.
As per reports, Karim Benzema's contract worth with Al-Ittihad was $642million. A break down of the offer shows the Real Madrid legend would earn $214million yearly while his weekly wage goes for as much as $4.12million.
One of the hindrances to his return to Europe has been his jumbo paycheck with Al-Ittihad. No European club will place the French footballer on the x-rated salary scale as Al-Ittihad, hence he will have to peg down his wage to facilitate a move.
Benzema is not off the mark with his individual sporting fortunes despite his difficult six-month stint with Al-Ittihad. He has made 16 goal contributions in 19 games across all competitions for Al-Ittihad.
The 2018 World Cup winner has scored 9 league goals with 5 assists for Al-Ittihad, including 2 FIFA Club World Cup goals.
The 35-year-old's frustration has been linked to A-Ittihad's dwindling fortunes in the Saudi Pro League this season. The Saudi champions are 7th on the SPL table with 28 points from 18 games, 25 points adrift of league leaders Al-Hilal.
Benzema deactivated his social media handle after Al-Ittihad lost Saudi Pro League match to his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr.
Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked to a loan move for him, including his former club Olympique Lyon. Should Benzema seal a return to Europe, he will be the second high-profile former European footballer who has returned to Europe from Saudi Arabia after Liverpool legend Jordan Henderson. Jordan Henderson terminated his £700,000 weekly contract with Steven Gerrard's Al-Etiffaq to join Dutch side Ajax on a two-and-a-half-year contract just six months into his three-year contract.
Fabrizio Romano reports discussions on the future of Karim Benzema has intensified among Saudi officials, who are reportedly not ready to sanction his exit from the Gulf State.
The report adds Al-Ittihad football chiefs are ready to allow Karim Benzema leave the club but only to another Saudi club not a return to Europe.
Meanwhile, the 2021 Ballon d'Or winner has been axed from Al-Ittihad training as uncertainties over his future continue to mount with the Saudi bosses reportedly set to take a decision on his future after talks.
It is understood Karim Benzema has struggled to adapt to life in Saudi Arabia following his groundbreaking exit from Europe last summer.
Benzema joined Al-Ittihad on a three-year contract and was among the highest-paid former European footballers who were plying their trade in Saudi Arabia.
As per reports, Karim Benzema's contract worth with Al-Ittihad was $642million. A break down of the offer shows the Real Madrid legend would earn $214million yearly while his weekly wage goes for as much as $4.12million.
One of the hindrances to his return to Europe has been his jumbo paycheck with Al-Ittihad. No European club will place the French footballer on the x-rated salary scale as Al-Ittihad, hence he will have to peg down his wage to facilitate a move.
Benzema is not off the mark with his individual sporting fortunes despite his difficult six-month stint with Al-Ittihad. He has made 16 goal contributions in 19 games across all competitions for Al-Ittihad.
The 2018 World Cup winner has scored 9 league goals with 5 assists for Al-Ittihad, including 2 FIFA Club World Cup goals.
The 35-year-old's frustration has been linked to A-Ittihad's dwindling fortunes in the Saudi Pro League this season. The Saudi champions are 7th on the SPL table with 28 points from 18 games, 25 points adrift of league leaders Al-Hilal.
Benzema deactivated his social media handle after Al-Ittihad lost Saudi Pro League match to his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr.
Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked to a loan move for him, including his former club Olympique Lyon. Should Benzema seal a return to Europe, he will be the second high-profile former European footballer who has returned to Europe from Saudi Arabia after Liverpool legend Jordan Henderson. Jordan Henderson terminated his £700,000 weekly contract with Steven Gerrard's Al-Etiffaq to join Dutch side Ajax on a two-and-a-half-year contract just six months into his three-year contract.