The truth behind Karim Benzema's Chelsea and Man Utd links

Tom Weber

• Updated: 15 Jan 2024 15:39 GMT
• 3 min read

The chances of Karim Benzema heading to the Premier League this month look slim, according to a report.

The Real Madrid icon was one of the first European superstars to head to the Saudi Pro League in the summer, joining reigning champions Al-Ittihad on a free transfer. Despite being in good goalscoring form and having been given a hero's welcome, Benzema is said to be unhappy in the Middle East.

The striker has notched 12 goals in 20 matches and been given the captain's armband, yet speculation about his future continues to abound. Benzema is one of several high-profile players reportedly keen to depart Saudi Arabia after just six months, with Liverpool legends Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino also disillusioned at their respective clubs.

With both Chelsea and Manchester United in the market for a quality, proven striker this month, links with Benzema have recently appeared in the media, with one report claiming early on Monday that the Frenchman and Firmino were on the Blues' forward shortlist.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, however, the chances of such a transfer materialising are not particularly high.

Benzema rumours dismissed

Jacobs took to X to reveal the latest information on Benzema coming out of Saudi Arabia. "A Karim Benzema exit in January from Al-Ittihad is being downplayed by sources," he wrote. "Senior PIF [Public Investment Fund] and Ministry figures intent on keeping him as part of the Saudi Pro League project."

He continued by asserting that links to Man Utd had been dismissed by his sources and that there has been "no approach from Chelsea to date either." Pro League chiefs "are still deciding internally what they want to do with the striker."

As for Firmino, however, the situation is different. Jacobs claims that his side, Al-Ahli, would be willing to entertain loan offers for the Brazilian, though only for the right price, likely meaning that they would either expect a significant loan fee in return or for his hefty salary to be covered fully.