As reported by RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins, there is a strong interest from Lyon to bring back the French striker who departed for Real Madrid in 2009. Having originated from Lyon’s youth system, he played 148 matches for Les Gones, scoring 66 goals. After leaving Real Madrid, he joined Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia in the summer, but his time there has not unfolded as expected. Benzema has faced frequent criticism from fans and commentators in the Gulf State. Additionally, his delayed return to training, 17 days behind schedule, has displeased the club. Reports suggest he is eager to return to Europe in the near future.
Sources close to Lyon have indicated that the financial aspects of such a acquisition pose challenges. Lyon lacks the financial capacity to match Benzema’s current salary at Al-Ittihad. To reunite with his former team, Benzema may need to accept a significant reduction in his substantial earnings. While there were speculations linking him back to Real Madrid, the club promptly dismissed any such possibilities.
A mere month after joining Al-Ittihad, Benzema experienced a public falling out with Nuno Espirito Santo. Despite his contributions to the team, the Portuguese head coach was eventually dismissed due to the discord.
Allegedly, the Saudi club is keen on selling the French striker, and they have until the end of the month to finalize a deal. If an agreement is reached in January, Benzema is likely to have played his last game for the Saudi Pro League team, as the league is set to resume only in mid-February after the conclusion of the Asian Cup in Qatar.
Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema
FranceThis season he played in total 15 times for 1212 minutes for Pro League.
Karim Benzema scored 9 goals for Al Ittihad. He procured 4 assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 7th in Pro League. In the last match Al Ittihad lost 5-2 against Al Nassr. The next match in Pro League will be against Al Tai.
Al Ittihad performance and stats
Al Ittihad is currently 7th in the Pro League with 28 points.
In the last 18 games, it has won 8 times, drawn 4 times, and lost 6 times. In its last match, Al Ittihad lost 2-5 against Al Nassr.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 34 goals and conceding 26.
Al Ittihad will play the next match in Pro League against Al Tai on Saturday 30th of December in Hail. The prediction is Al Ittihad winning the match.
Anthony Lopes
Anthony Lopes
This season he played in total twice for 177 minutes for Coupe de France.
He made 3 saves and conceded 1 goal. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 16th in Coupe de France. In the last match Olympique Lyonnais won 2-1 against Bergerac.
