Man Utd's Karim Benzema transfer stance revealed after striker skips training with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad

Posted Tuesday, January 16, 2024 by Goal.com

Manchester United will not make a bid to sign Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad in the January transfer window, according to a report.

WHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Devils emerged as a possible destination for the French striker as they look to address their goalscoring problems. However, the club have decided that they will not pursue the ex-Real Madrid star this month because of his age and his wage demands.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
The 36-year-old is reportedly banished from Al-Ittihad's training camp in Dubai because of his refusal to show up to club events. Benzema is also said to have missed training sessions at the end of last year and could be on his way out of the club less than a year after joining from Real Madrid in a free transfer.

DID YOU KNOW?
Benzema has scored nine times in 15 Saudi Pro League appearances for the reigning champions, but the club's defence of their crown has not gone as well as they had hoped after signing the N'Golo Kante, Fabinho, Luiz Felipe and Jota in the summer. Al-Ittihad are seventh in the table after 18 matches and 25 points behind leaders Al-Hilal.

WHAT NEXT FOR BENZEMA?
If Benzema's standoff with Al-Ittihad is not resolved soon, the player could end up leaving the club just months after agreeing to join.