Karim Benzema Forces Al Ittihad Star to Demand Transfer From Saudi Giants, After Frenchman’s Honest Revelation

In the high-stakes world of soccer, where talent, ambition, and egos often collide, an unexpected twist has unfolded in Saudi Arabia. Karim Benzema, the French Ballon d’Or winner, has made a sensation in Saudi Arabia since joining Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid in the summer. After years of dominating Europe, the French striker has moved to the Middle East, joining Al-Ittihad on a lucrative two-year contract. And while Benzema’s arrival has been warmly welcomed by most, it has also had a negative impact on one of his team-mates.

After the Al-Ittihad star striker made an honest revelation about his commitment to the Saudi project, it triggered a ripple effect that now sees another Al-Ittihad star clamoring for an exit. Let’s delve into the story to know about the dynamics of this affair.

Al-Ittihad’s star eyeing departure after the arrival of Karim Benzema

Amidst the spectacular stint of Karim Benzema with Al-Ittihad, there’s been a surprising twist. Abderrazak Hamdallah, Al-Ittihad’s forward and Benzema’s strike partner, has recently requested a transfer from the club. Hamdallah, whose contract extends until 2024, has expressed his desire for a new soccer adventure elsewhere. Reports indicate that the key factor behind his decision to leave the Saudi giants is none other than Karim Benzema.

Hamdallah, who previously plied his trade for Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al Nassr, joined Al-Ittihad in January 2022, aiming to become the main protagonist and lead the line. His track record of 44 goals in 57 appearances for the Tigers demonstrated his skill as a prolific striker. However, the script took an unexpected turn with Benzema’s arrival.

READ MORE: 121 Days After Ditching Real Madrid For $200,000,000 Al Ittihad Move, Karim Benzema Dishes Out 2-Word Praise For Ex-Teammate

With the big-money signing of Karim Benzema, the Moroccan striker now finds himself at a crossroads, as he was eyeing a more prominent role on the pitch. Reports have surfaced that Hamdallah is requesting a transfer, as the shadow of the ex-Real Madrid forward’s star power looms large on his head. As Hamdallah finds himself falling down behind Benzema in the pecking order, he aims to look for a new challenge elsewhere.

Benzema’s impact on Al-Ittihad

The reports of Hamdallah’s departure and his disappointment are clearly a sign of Karim Benzema’s impact at Al-Ittihad. The French striker has quickly established himself as the star player at the club, and his arrival has led to a reshuffle of the pecking order. Benzema is a Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most respected strikers in the world. Al-Ittihad’s forward line is now a place where Benzema is reigning supreme, which leaves the Moroccan with fewer opportunities to shine as the leading striker.

As Karim Benzema expressed his desire to contribute to the development of football in Saudi Arabia, it will be interesting to see the next development at Al-Ittihad. The future remains uncertain for Abderrazak Hamdallah, but one thing is clear: Karim Benzema’s honest revelation about his motivations for joining Al-Ittihad has caused an unexpected chain reaction.

Al-Ittihad will return to action again, when they visit King Abdullah Stadium, Buraidah to face Al-Taawoun on Friday, October 20th.

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