Transfers
Benzema Mulls Saudi Exit After Man United Withdraws Transfer Window Interest
Lyon is now in the process of finalizing a deal to bring Karim Benzema back to the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, as Manchester United has decided against signing the Frenchman.
Recall that Benzem left Spanish giants Real Madrid last summer and joined Saudi Pro League side, Al-Ittihad.
The Frenchman, however, has struggled to find success in the Middle East. Despite scoring 12 goals for Al-Ittihad, his performances have faced frequent criticism.
Additionally, Al-Ittihad as a whole has been struggling, currently sitting seventh in the table and failing to defend their title. Benzema, who arrived at the club just six months ago, is now looking to secure a move away.
While United was initially linked with the superstar, Mirror Football reported that the Red Devils have opted out of pursuing a deal. United’s decision is influenced by Benzema’s age and his hefty £86 million-per-year wages.
Although the Red Devils are in search of a striker, they do not view Benzema as a viable option. With United out of the picture, Lyon now has the opportunity to bring Benzema back to the club where he won four Ligue 1 titles after making his first-team debut in 2004.
The 36-year-old footballer secured a lucrative transfer to Real Madrid based on his impressive performances with the French team. It appears that there is a possibility for him to return, as Lyon is reportedly considering a deal to bring him back to the club, according to The Athletic.
Currently, Ittihad has not received any offers for Benzema, and the player himself has not officially expressed his desire to leave the club to the club’s management. However, manager Marcelo Gallardo has made it clear that Benzema is not welcome at the Saudi side after a falling out between them.
In an effort to resolve the situation, meetings have been planned, especially since Ittihad will resume playing after the winter break on February 4th. Benzema’s transfer to Ittihad was one of the most significant deals completed by a Saudi side during last summer’s eventful transfer window.
Although he signed a three-year contract with Ittihad, Benzema is eager to cut it short due to his unpleasant experience. Lyon, his childhood club, is hopeful of bringing him back, but completing the transfer may prove to be challenging.
Lyon has faced financial difficulties, mainly due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the collapse of the Mediapro television deal. These issues have hindered their ability to recruit new players, and they have been forced to sell key players as a result.
At the end of 2022, the club underwent a takeover by Eagle Football, a company established by American John Textor, who purchased the club from long-time owner Jean-Michel Aulas. However, the transition has not been smooth, as Lyon has already sacked two managers this season.
Currently, under the management of Pierre Sage after the dismissals of Laurent Blanc and Fabio Grosso, Lyon finds themselves in 16th place in Ligue 1. This means they are in the relegation play-off spot, which may not be an attractive prospect for Benzema.
