Karim Benzema is set to complete the season at Al Ittihad despite his desire to leave Saudi Arabia this month, as confirmed by sources to ESPN.
Earlier in January, ESPN reported that the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner had been exploring transfer options due to a less-than-satisfactory first six months in Jeddah.
Although Benzema considered a return to Europe, both Chelsea and his hometown club, Lyon, inquired about his availability, sources revealed.
However, Al Ittihad, unwilling to let Benzema depart, attempted to loan him to another club in the Saudi Pro League, but the former Real Madrid striker declined the offer.
Having signed a three-year deal with Al Ittihad in the summer as a free agent, Benzema expressed disappointment with his initial half-season with the team.
Despite scoring 15 goals in 24 games across all competitions this season, the 36-year-old forward faced criticism from the Saudi media.
Currently seventh in the Saudi Pro League, Al Ittihad trails leader Al Hilal by 25 points.
Despite the challenges, Benzema has returned to the squad, preparing for the King’s Cup quarterfinals against Al Faysali on Sunday, following a 15-day absence from training due to being stranded in Mauritius after a storm hit the island.