Manchester United given striker option as ‘irate’ Karim Benzema submits transfer request
23.01.2024 - 14:08
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester United may wish to consider the loan signing of Karim Benzema this month after the striker reportedly told Al-Ittihad that he wishes to leave Saudi.
The attacker is said to be unsettled in the Saudi Pro League due to the 'pressure' he is being placed under at Al-Ittihad, whom he joined from Real Madrid just seven months ago. The Ballon d’Or winner has been tipped to return to Europe.
United chiefs have indicated that they do not expect to spend much this window due to concerns about breaching Premier League Profit & Sustainability rules following a spend of more than £400m in the last two summers.
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Benzema would likely only be able to leave Saudi midseason on loan anyway given his current astronomical wages. Chelsea have been tipped with a potential move for the Frenchman while United are thought to be assessing attacking options in the market.
A report from France 24 says Benzema, 36, held a ‘bad-tempered’ meeting with Saudi league officials, during which he waved away the offer of moving to another Pro League club.
Al-Ittihad, seventh in the table, are run by the Saudi Public Investment Fund - owners of Newcastle - who also have Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr in its portfolio.
Benzema though, the report says, is adamant about leaving and has handed in a transfer request. It is said the player returned from his club's midseason break 17 days late.
United’s stance on facilitating a move for Benzema is unknown, but an approach would have risks attached. There is the possibility that Al-Ittihad would ask for a contribution towards his wages, which reportedly stand at more than £85m a