Karim Benzema to leave Al-Ittihad just after 2 months? Club boss makes shocking claim

One of the greatest footballers in the history of the sport, Cristiano Ronaldo, started a new trend of European top football players joining Middle Eastern clubs in the Saudi Pro League since his arrival in Al-Nassr in January. Among the big names to join the Asian side this summer was Karim Benzema. The French star joined Al-Ittihad for free in this year's transfer window after his contract expired with Real Madrid.

3 things you need to know

• Benzema did not renew his contract with Real Madrid and joined Al-Ittihad this summer 
• Karim Benzema has yet to score his first goal in the Saudi Pro League despite playing 2 games
• Al-Ittihad are the defending champions of the Saudi Pro League led by Nuno Espirito

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Karim Benzema seems not to be on good terms with the Al-Ittihad manager

9 🐅🖤💛… #nueve #alhamdulillah 🤲🏽 pic.twitter.com/M0cI7h5UTo

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) August 2, 2023

Al-Ittihad manager Nuno Espirito Santo reportedly told the club that Karim Benzema does not fit in with his long-term plans for the team. Benzema, who is the winner of the Ballon d'Or in 2022, signed a three-year contract with the Saudi Pro League champions in June following a fantastic 14-year career with Real Madrid.

The Saudi tabloid Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, however, has reported on the rumours of friction between Benzema and his manager. Nuno has informed his superiors at Al-Ittihad that the French international's playing style doesn't mesh with his methods, and that the transfer was not at his request.

The 35-year-old footballer, who has already won five Champions League titles, reportedly also wanted to be chosen captain. Instead of accepting the suggestion, Nuno chose club legend Romarinho as captain. During his transfer to Al-Ittihad, the team that won the Saudi Pro League the year before with Nuno as manager, rumours circulated that Benzema had agreed to become the team captain as part of the deal.

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Will Karim Benzema have a shocking exit from Al-Ittihad?

According to reports, Karim Benzema is experiencing "discomfort" as a result of the circumstances at Al-Ittihad and he appears to feel that his manager has treated him improperly. These conflicts have increased the chance that Benzema will abruptly leave the team just two months after his arrival.

This season, Al-Ittihad has added four players from European clubs, including Benzema. N'Golo Kante, Fabinho, and Jota are additional members of this group. With victories over Al-Raed and Al-Ta'ee to start the domestic campaign, Al-Ittihad is currently leading the Saudi Pro League rankings. Benzema provided an assist in the season opener, despite the fact that he has yet to score in these games.

Al-Riyadh is the opponent for Nuno's team on Thursday, while Al-Wehda is the opponent the following Monday. However, if Benzema starts in these matches, there are very few chances of him leaving the club, as nothing has been official yet from the Saudi club.