In great difficulty at Al-Ittihad, Karim Benzema would have asked to leave Saudi Arabia temporarily, but his return to Europe (to Real, the Premier League or even OL!) seems extremely complicated financially. And time is running out!
Sources close to Al-Ittihad told AFP: Karim Benzema asked to leave “ temporarily » his club since last summer, because he feels “ unable to give his best because of pressure “. The reigning Saudi Arabian champion is having a disappointing season and the 2022 Ballon d’Or, poorly received in his team, is singled out by supporters for his lackluster performances.
At 36, the former captain of Real Madrid would like to return to Europe, where he would be in particular in the sights of Premier League clubs, who could pay him part of his annual salary of 30 million dollars (which the ‘OL would not be able to do this at all). Obviously, in England, France, Spain, Italy and Germany, the winter transfer window is open until February 1 at 11:59 p.m., i.e. Thursday next week.
The MLS open until April
If it is to be loaned to another Saudi club (as proposed by Al-Ittihad), Saudi Pro League clubs have until January 30 to recruit. A departure to MLS will remain possible for several months because North American franchises, which are preparing for the new season, have until April 23 to register players.
Finally, regarding more improbable destinations for “KB9”, the winter transfer window in Qatar closes on January 31, that in Mexico on February 1, that in Turkey on February 9, that in Japan on April 2. Note that clubs in the Chinese championship obviously have the opportunity to sign new players whenever they want during the season.
