- 21 hours ago
Why Karim Benzema has returned to Real Madrid
Robin Bairner
- 2 May 2024 11:45 BST
- 6 min read
Karim Benzema is one of a number of players who moved to the Saudi Pro League last summer and has subsequently struggled to settle.
Benzema left Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer as the reigning Ballon d’Or winner to move to Al-Ittihad, but the Frenchman’s time in the Middle East has been punctuated by accusations of unprofessionalism and a difficult relationship with previous head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
Having scored only 13 goals in 29 games in all competitions for his new side, the 36-year-old is certainly not near his peak form. He has scored only once since the middle of November and has lost the captaincy amid a period in which he has been in and out of the team.
READ MORE: Criticism of ‘WEAK’ Real Madrid star builds after Champions League struggles
STATS
K. Benzema
F (CRL)
Al-Ittihad
K. Benzema
F (CRL)
Al-Ittihad
During the January transfer window, there was even serious speculation that he could move to the Premier League, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all interested in signing him to solve their various offensive issues.
Real Madrid were also tentatively associated with a move given they lack a natural centre-forward better than Joselu.
Ultimately, Benzema stayed in the Saudi Pro League, but he now finds himself back in the familiar surroundings of Valdebebas at Real Madrid’s training centre.
READ MORE: Latest Real Madrid transfer news
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed why.
Taking to X, he reports: “Karim Benzema has returned to Real Madrid training ground Valdebebas to undergo further tests and get help with injury treatment.
“Al Ittihad confirm they’re grateful with Real Madrid for their help in managing Benzema’s injury.”
What next for Benzema?
Benzema’s future could still lie away from Al-Ittihad.
The Saudi club is making moves to sign another high-profile forward in the summer, and even as Mohamed Salah of Liverpool distances himself from the club, there is an increasing possibility that Son Heung-min could make a switch.
Benzema, meanwhile, could leave for another Saudi Pro League side, even if he has expressed a desire to finish his career at Lyon previously.
