Why it is extremely difficult for Karim Benzema to leave Saudi Arabia amid Chelsea & Man Utd links

Karim Benzema faces a challenge to leave Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad this transfer window for a multitude of complex reasons, 90min understands.

The striker joined Al Ittihad during the summer of 2023, surprisingly leaving Real Madrid at the end of his contract when he had long been expected to sign a new deal in the Spanish capital.

Alongside Neymar, who joined Al Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain, Benzema was the Saudi Pro League's highest profile incoming ahead of the 2023/24 season. But despite scoring 12 goals in 20 games across all competitions, Al Ittihad have struggled to defend their title and have dropped to seventh in the league standings.

Benzema has since been tipped to leave Saudi Arabia and recently missed Al Ittihad's return to training from their mid-season break, fuelling further talk of a transfer. However, sources have told 90min his excuse of being stranded in Mauritius due to a cyclone warning is genuine.

Though Benzema has been increasingly linked with Chelsea and Manchester United - both clubs are in the market for strikers, 90min understands neither have made a concrete move for the 36-year-old at this stage.

Various stars have been linked with moves away from Saudi Arabia already this month - Jordan Henderson is heading to Ajax, while Roberto Firmino was available for loan although is expected to stay this window. But there are a number of obstacles which would stand in the way of Benzema, who has not directly informed the club he is unhappy or has any intention of leaving to Al Ittihad, from returning to Europe.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport, PIF, Al Ittihad manager Marcelo Gallardo and new sporting director Ramos Planes would all have to give the green light to a transfer even if an acceptable bid came in over the next two weeks. Ex-Barcelona executive Planes, having only just joined, is expected to speak with Benzema to understand his situation.

Saudi officials also believe one of their poster boys leaving so soon after arriving would be damaging to the Pro League, especially quickly after Henderson's impending departure.

At worst, Al Ittihad and Saudi dealmakers want Benzema to stay until the summer and it will take something dramatic to change that.

The situation may change at the end of what is now likely to be a disappointing season for Al Ittihad, who are at this rate struggling to even qualify for the Asian Champions League. However, Benzema has been given a major say in recruitment decisions and the club could hand him more control to try and build a team capable of challenging again.

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