Transfer News: Karim Benzema rumored to join Cristiano Ronaldo’s former club Manchester United after just 6 months with Al-Ittihad

It seems the Saudi Pro League is in trouble after a seemingly good start, with Karim Benzema being their latest issue. After they brought a number of top European talents, beginning with Cristiano Ronaldo, it seems many of them are keen to leave.

Players like Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino are both expected to leave Al Ettifaq and go back to Europe. And it seems that Benzema could also follow suit after a very bad spell in form in the Saudi nation.

Karim Benzema rumored to join Manchester United

According to a number of reports, Karim Benzema is set to leave his club Al Ittihad, just six months after joining them last summer. It is considered that he will leave the Saudi club to make a return to Europe, with some clubs hugely interested in bringing him back.

Benzema had left Europe at an unexpected time, as he was the holder of the Ballon d’Or award at the time and was still the best player in the Real Madrid squad. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that he is still at the top of his level, and many clubs would want a player like him.

One of the clubs is his former teammate and Saudi Pro League rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s former club Manchester United. The Red Devils have not had a proper striker since Ronaldo left them, with his replacements failing to replicate his performances. Furthermore, they are struggling this season, already knocked out of Europe and poor in the league as well. They need a proper goal scorer with serious talent and experience to help them get back to winning ways.

And Benzema could be that player, at least for the rest of the season. A 6-month loan deal is strongly rumored, though it remains to be seen which other clubs are in the running, with former club Lyon also interested.

Karim Benzema’s situation at Al Ittihad

It seems that Benzema’s departure is imminent after he has soured his relationship with his club Al Ittihad. Marca have reported that the French striker has been missing many of their training sessions and club events, even before their vacation this month. He was given until last Friday to show up at the club, but never arrived and seemingly doesn’t care. Manager Marcelo Gallardo is said to be angry and has axed him from their Dubai training camp.

The Ballon d’Or winner also previously caused a situation when he was involved in the sacking of previous manager Nuno Espirito Santo. His poor performances for the club, coupled with their poor results, also led to him getting much backlash from fans and the media. He even deleted his Instagram account as a result of the backlash.

The situation could still be salvaged, but the general feeling is that Karim Benzema has already played his last game for them. And so we could see him leave on loan this winter, and Manchester United could be a possible destination for him.