Saudi Arabia want to lure Mohamed Salah onto the domestic scene and a high-profile departure could boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes – Karim Benzema currently considering his options
Karim Benzema is not impressed with the offer in Saudi Arabia (Image: Getty Images)
The contract offer made by Al Ittihad for Karim Benzema has left the Frenchman “disconsidered” and he is currently considering all options.
The Ballon d’Or winner is one of the biggest names to leave Real Madrid for a big-money move from Europe to Saudi Arabia, but his contract expires in the summer.
The 38-year-old is unhappy with the offer from the Saudi Arabian side and ESPN reported that he has decided to drop out of the first team and is training on his own. The contract he was offered was from the Saudi Professional League, which handles contracts for key players from PIF-owned clubs, and essentially means he will play for almost free.
Benzema has scored eight goals in 14 appearances this season, but a potential departure could have a big impact. He is not the only big-name player likely to leave the Middle East.
French winger Moussa Diaby has been linked with a move away from the club, while two-time Premier League winner N’Golo Kante is said to be “very close” to agreeing terms with Fenerbahce. The departure of these big names will give clubs like Al Ittihad the financial space to pursue big names in Europe, such as Mohamed Salah.
read more: Liverpool say Mo Salah will leave this summer…unless Arne Slott leaves firstread more: Liverpool issue statement confirming Jurgen Klopp’s return to Anfield
The Saudi club has long been rumored to have a relationship with Salah, and recently there have also been reports of a relationship with Vinicius Junior, who has been linked with a possible departure from Real Madrid. Ousmane Dembele has been touted as a target this week. They want to bring in more big names, and a notable departure from the league gives them extra motivation and financial leeway.
Al Ittihad manager tried to sign Salah two years ago and has shown strong interest again, but there is currently no room for a deal. Things could change completely if the likes of Benzema and Kante leave the club.
Mo Salah has been linked with leaving Liverpool this summer (Image: Getty)
Salah signed a new contract with Liverpool last season, earning him a huge salary, but his form has been sluggish this season and he is yet to reach double-digit goals. As a result, he was occasionally left out of the starting lineup, but his injury to the club and Arne Slott led to talk of him leaving.
“I have done a lot for this club so far, especially last season,” he said. “Right now I’m sitting on the bench and I don’t know why. It’s like the club threw me under the bus.”
He added: “I have said many times that I had a good relationship with the manager, but all of a sudden we no longer have a relationship. I don’t know why, but from my point of view it seems like someone doesn’t want me at the club.”
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