Karim Benzema's crisis with Al-Ittihad: Will he leave because of the new contract?
In a surprising development that threatens to escalate tensions within Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad club, informed sources revealed to the Okaz newspaper the details of the crisis that led the team's captain, French star Karim Benzema, to refuse to travel with the team to Al-Ahsa. This refusal came before the anticipated match against Al-Fateh in the 19th round of the Saudi Professional League, which later ended in a 2-2 draw, further increasing the anxiety among Al-Ittihad fans regarding the team's stability.
Behind the scenes of the dispute and the controversial show
According to sources, the spark that ignited the French striker's anger was being informed, after the last training session, of the details of his contract renewal offer for the upcoming season. The offer included an unexpected surprise for a player of Benzema's stature and history: it stipulated a renewal "without a basic salary," granting him only image rights. Benzema considered this offer demeaning, prompting him to immediately decide not to accompany the team, preferring to suspend his participation until his future with the club's management is definitively resolved.
Global repercussions and a sense of humiliation
The repercussions of the crisis weren't confined to the local level; they extended to the international press. The Spanish newspaper AS reported extensively that the former Real Madrid legend felt "insulted" by the offer. The report indicated that Benzema believes the offer is completely disproportionate to his illustrious career as one of the world's most prominent footballers, and doesn't reflect his contributions to Al-Ittihad since joining, where he played a pivotal role in leading the team to numerous titles. The newspaper added that the club's management had previously promised the player a renewal with the same financial terms, but reneged at the last minute before the signing.
A remarkable career and numbers that speak for themselves
It is worth noting that Karim Benzema (38 years old) joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 in a record-breaking deal worth 2.4 billion riyals, a contract that runs until the summer of 2026. Since his arrival, the French star has proven his exceptional talent, contributing to the team's victories in both the Saudi Professional League and the King's Cup. His impact is undeniable, as he has scored 54 goals and provided 17 assists in 83 appearances for Al-Ittihad. This season alone, he has scored 16 goals in 21 matches, confirming his continued prominence in the team's attack.
The impact of the crisis on team stability
This crisis comes at a highly sensitive time for Al-Ittihad, a club striving to maintain its achievements and compete strongly on all fronts. Observers fear that this rift between the captain and the management could negatively impact the locker room and the players' performance on the pitch. Benzema is a cornerstone of the Saudi Professional League project, which has attracted a host of international stars, and therefore any tension in his relationship with the club could cast a shadow over the overall sporting landscape. All eyes are now on the negotiations that will take place in the coming days to mend the rift.
