Karim Benzema set to leave Al Ittihad despite one year remaining on contract

Karim Benzema has been one of the finest strikers of this generation. The former Real Madrid footballer won the Ballon d'Or in the year 2021/22 season for his amazing performance in the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. The forward gained immense confidence and limelight in that particular season where he scored 44 goals in the season. He scored 27 goals in La Liga, 15 goals in the Champions League, and a couple of goals in the Supercopa. 

The striker's brilliant performance earned him a call for France in the FIFA World Cup 2022, but he was out injured from the tournament however there were several speculations that there was a rift between the footballer and head coach Didier Deschamps and that led him to exclude from the squad. Amidst all these, he decided to leave Los Blancos the very same year and joined the Saudi Arabia club Al-Ittihad Club. 

As soon as he joined the club, he again had some arguments with then the head coach Nuno Espirito Santo. The argument started after Espirito Santo urged Benzema to lead by example, demonstrating his role as a team leader and athlete. The 36-year-old footballer then conveyed his message to the club officials about the incident. 

Benzema set to return to Europe?

The footballer after spending almost three seasons in Saudi has reportedly been urged to leave the club after the end of the season. But there has been a year of contract left with Al Ittihad, and he might mutually terminate the contract and move out as well. With the transfer market still to open, clubs might be keeping track of him. During his recent visit to Madrid for rehab, he shared with those around him about his "sad adventure" in Saudi Arabia.

Some clubs from Europe also might go for him as a leader in the attack. Previously it was in the rumours that Manchester United had shown interest in the footballer, as he can be a good option upfront along with Rasmus Hojlund in the side, with his experience and prolific goal-scoring ability he can increase the squad depth of the Red Devils in the upcoming season.