Karim Benzema will stay at Ittihad Club, writes David Ornstein The Athletic. The Frenchman seemed to be leaving the Saudi club after weeks of absence, but this will not happen before the end of the transfer deadline.

Earlier this month it became clear that the French star returned from holiday seventeen days late. Benzema felt that there was pressure on him from the club and wanted to leave Saudi Arabia temporarily, the French news agency wrote AFP.

For a long time there was uncertainty surrounding the super striker, who was on holiday, and his club was furious with the Frenchman. The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner celebrated a holiday on Mauritius, an island near Madagascar, around the holidays. He was then supposed to return to his club in Saudi Arabia on January 2, but that did not happen.

As a result, Benzema was removed from the selection by trainer Marcelo Gallardo a few weeks ago. It soon became clear that Olympique Lyon, where Benzema made a splash in his younger years, was interested in a (rental) transfer. However, the former Real Madrid star's generous salary was a stumbling block.

Benzema scored twelve goals in twenty games this season, but despite this he was criticized by Ittihad fans because of his inferior performances. As a result, Benzema deleted his Instagram account. Ittihad Club, the reigning national champions, is now seventh and lost its last three matches before the winter break.

Benzema was one of the world stars who opted for a transfer to the Saudi Pro League in 2023. Benzema signed a very lucrative contract for two seasons, with an option for an extra year.

Benzema is not the only star who has been linked with an early departure from Saudi Arabia. For example, Aymeric Laporte, Jota and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic are said to have been interested in a return to Europe.

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