Tensions have eased a little. In recent months, Karim Benzema has gone through major areas of turbulence on the side of Saudi Arabia. The Al-Ittihad star has often been criticized by his supporters, but above all, there have been clashes with his coaches. First, with Nuno Espirito Santo, dismissed from his position since the management sided with the Frenchman. Then, with Marcelo Gallardo, with whom the tone clearly rose, to the point that the Argentine coach even removed him from the group.
Since then, the former OL and Real Madrid player has returned to competition, with a match against Al-Riyadh then an Asian Champions League duel against Navbahor Namangan. Two complicated meetings for KB9, who has not scored since December 15. His club is also regaining color after a disappointing first part of the season. Enough to satisfy the Frenchman too, since recently, several media explained that Benzema was disappointed with the level of his team, and that he was waiting for his management to strengthen the locker room with other recruits.
A former “enemy” of Benzema
Requests which have clearly been heard. As explained by the Spanish media Relevo, the Jeddah club, which already counts N’Golo KantĂ© or Fabinho in its ranks, is preparing another big move. Al-Ittihad therefore intends to enlist Marc-AndrĂ© ter Stegen, the FC Barcelona goalkeeper. An official offer has already been made to the German, back in the Catalan eleven after a shoulder injury which kept him away from the field for more than two months.
The player is comfortable in Barcelona, ​​but the juicy offer from the Saudis could logically make him review his career plans, he who is under contract until 2028. For his part, Barça could welcome a big offer with the open arms, since the financial situation of the Catalan team is difficult. Note that it is Ramon Planes, former manager of Barça and now at Al-Ittihad, who is in charge of this operation. But there is no doubt that Karim Benzema would be delighted to find his old Catalan rival in Jeddah…
