31 January 2024 , 07:38
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Karim Benzema has snubbed a late move to the Premier League in favour of staying in Saudi Arabia.
The former Real Madrid star was reportedly considering quitting Al-Ittihad just months after signing a mega-money three-year deal. He was absent from team duties after an unsanctioned holiday during the Saudi Pro League mid-season break.
Manchester United were linked, but quickly denied any interest in the Frenchman. Arsenal and Chelsea have remained among those potentially considering a swoop should Benzema move away from Saudi.
His former club Lyon were also touted as potential admirers and may have offered him a lifeline. However, a move now appears highly unlikely after his most recent decision.
According to The Athletic, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner will remain with Al-Ittihad as Thursday’s transfer deadline approaches. The reigning Saudi champions get their domestic season back underway next weekend against Al-Tai, where Benzema could potentially be involved.
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The striker had previously hit out at reports that he could leave his current club. Speaking to L’Equipe last week, he said: "It's completely false! The French media don't know what to invent any more. The bigger the better."
Benzema, 36, joined the side from Real Madrid in the summer. He has gone on to score 12 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions and has a year-and-a-half left to run on his current contract.
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Speaking in November about why he decided to move to the Saudi Pro League, Benzema said: “With everything I have achieved with Real Madrid, it was the right time for me to try a new challenge.
“For a very long time, even before football, I always wanted to come here. Then the football project came in, it was a project just starting to burst in from everywhere, so on my side I really wanted to be part of the story. I really wanted to help Saudi football grow.”
He added: “On and off the pitch, I feel good. I’ll say it again, but it’s just how I feel; this country welcomed me with open arms. I feel the love of the people here, so that makes me happy, and I try to return that love on the pitch.”
While Benzema seems content to stay in Saudi Arabia, the same cannot be said of some of the league’s other stars. Jordan Henderson has already left for Ajax, while Aymeric Laporte has suggested that players are not totally happy with their big-money moves.