KARIM BENZEMA ASKS TO LEAVE AL-ITTIHAD

Karim Benzema (36) has asked to leave Al-Ittihad, according to AFP. The Frenchman arrived in Saudi Arabia in the summer but has been frozen out by manager Marcelo Gallardo after returning back to training 17 days late.

His late return has been attributed to a storm in Mauritius, which left him stranded. Benzema’s entourage has told L’Équipe that the player is happy at Al-Ittihad.

However, Benzema has been heavily linked with a departure from the Gulf State just months after making the move on a free transfer from Real Madrid. Whilst the La Liga side aren’t interested in re-signing the Frenchman, Olympique Lyonnais have a strong interest in repatriating the forward, according to RMC Sport.

Benzema rejects Saudi loan offer

AFP report that Benzema has now asked to “temporarily” leave Al-Ittihad. Sources close to the Saudi club indicate that the OL academy product has been offered the chance to go out on loan to another Saudi side, however, this offer has been rejected by the player.

The same source indicates that Benzema feels “unable to give the best version of himself due to the pressure.” The Frenchman’s performances have drawn heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike since making the move.