Eyeing Karim Benzema’s Exit Threat, Atletico Madrid Star Set to Join Al Ittihad in $66M Move: Reports

It has been a moment of awakening for Al Ittihad. The Saudi club has seen a surprising downfall from #1 to #7 in this year’s league standing. Given their performances seemed disjointed and different from last season, the situation called its marquee player, Karim Benzema, to threaten the team of leaving. Weeks later, the club is now looking to tighten its grip by bringing a World Cup-winning star to meet their premier striker’s quality demand.

Al Ittihad will have time during the international break to reflect on what went wrong this season. The team had won their first six of the seven games in the league and was looking to run away with the title once again. But their dip in attack and defense collectively has led them to look for more options.

Al Ittihad eyes a La Liga-winning veteran to accompany Karim Benzema in scoring goals

It took a 2-5 pounding against Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. to open Karim Benzema and his club’s eyes. Consequently, Al Ittihad is about to make quite a few changes to the squad. But its primary acquisition will be Angel Correa from Atletico Madrid for $66 million, according to a report. As per side reports, the striker is also being offered a to sign a deal for three years.

Al Ittihad has had decent performances from a couple of its forwards. Karim Benzema and Abderrazak Hamdallah have scored nine and ten goals, respectively. Midfielder, Igor Coronado has managed to score five and contribute seven assists. Adding Angel Correa is undoubtedly an aggressive approach from the club. He will leave Atletico as an icon, with a UEFA Super Cup, and Europa League title. The 28-year-old has scored 74 goals and provided 58 assists in a massive 397-game career at Madrid. He will also be the first person from Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad to reach the Saudi Pro League. The time has come for Atletico Madrid to move on to the next generation.

A win-win for both clubs, thanks to Benzema

Both Angel Correa and Atletico Madrid are expected to be content with the deal. The money will be useful for Atletico, as they are casting their net into the MLS for teenage sensation Thiago Almada. Meanwhile, Angel Correa has been deprioritized by Diego Simeone, who was willing to accept offers.

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Correa started only in six of the 23 games this season, leading to his frustration. However, the player still has a fine enough season with five goals and an assist to his name. Additionally, Correa will not be the only addition to Karim Benzema’s threat of leaving the club if more players are not added. The club is also expected to make an intra-league swap with Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq.

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