Karim Benzema Punished & Expelled For Going AWOL as Al Ittihad Line Up Lionel Messi’s Teammate as Replacement

Karim Benzema ‘s time in Saudi Arabia seems to have hit a dead end. The player boycotted the club’s training sessions and made demands, threatening to leave Al-Ittihad if they were not met. But as the tables have turned, the club, which looked to have been scouting new players at his request, has reportedly sidelined the 5-time UEFA Champions League winner. The focus is now said to be on acquiring one of Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammates.

Al Ittihad dropped from #1 to #7 in no time. But it was the 2-5 loss against Al Nassr that might have provoked Karim Benzema to demand a stern response from the club, by not making himself available. Have you backfired?

Benzema’s plan to get the squad strengthened seems to have gone downhill

If not for Karim Benzema, the defending Saudi Pro League champions are expected to have multiple options. Therefore, after being able to afford most of the players, Al Ittihad has reportedly chosen to release Benzema for good, as per TyC Sports. The recurring offenses caused by the serial winner had already exacerbated the club’s situation. It was the player’s absence without approval that left the coach, Marcelo Gallardo, distraught.

Karim Benzema had initially not reported for three training sessions before the Christmas break, days before the Al-Tai game. Later, the player left Jeddah just before that fixture. Reportedly, the player is not even included in the squad for the club’s tour to Dubai. The Al Ittihad management was initially not satisfied with the results Benzema was getting. But they still chose to give him time, knowing his profile and understanding the time needed to adapt.

On the other hand, Karim Benzema hasn’t performed poorly. The player scored 12 goals in 20 games while providing five assists. However, his contributions were n’t considered to have uplifted the team. Also, the club exited the FIFA Club World Cup early, losing their second-round tie 1-3. The game against Al Nassr saw Benzema face criticism for not scoring. Subsequently, he wiped out his Instagram account and additionally went on to demand changes to the squad. The club seems to be making changes as demanded, but they now include expelling Benzema too for a versatile striker.

World Cup and La Liga Champion set to succeed Karim Benzema

The club from Jeddah, in pursuit of replacing Karim Benzema, has found an option in an Atletico Madrid player, Angel Correa. The attacker, who has been a part of Diego Simeone’s set-up since 2015, has scored 74 goals for them and won silverware too. Reports currently claim that Al Ittihad is offering a transfer fee of $66 million and a three-year deal to the 28-year-old.

READ MORE – France Legend Says Karim Benzema ‘Regrets’ Al Ittihad Move; Saudi Pro League Calls an ‘Artificial Championship’

Atletico, on the other hand, is looking for the next generational talent, Thiago Almada. The club is ready to leave Correa, who started only six games this season. He was part of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad for Argentina alongside veteran Lionel Messi. And he looks like he will be a fair option for the Saudi club, considering Benzema’s exit.

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