The Frenchman considered that Al Ittihad's proposal was the same as 'playing for free,' and he might not be drafted or play matches until his contract ends
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Karim Benzema is going through an unexpected situation at the close of the transfer market in Saudi Arabia. The French forward rejected a contract renewal offer fromAl Ittihad that he considered a "lack of respect" and the contractual conflict could leave him without playing official matches for up to six months.
According to French media reports, the leadership of the Jeddah club proposed that he extend his contract under a newsalary scheme that the player's entourage described as "insulting" and equivalent to "playing for free". The offer included a monthly salary of 0 euros and payment of 100% of the image rights, a model that the former Real Madrid player flatly rejected.
Benzema consideró "insultante" la propuesta del equipo
The proposal also implies a drastic reduction compared to his current contract, since Benzema earns around 108 million dollars per year. People close to him indicated that the initiative is humiliating for a player of his career, so he decided to stand firm against the leadership and halt any progress in the negotiations.
The conflict had an immediate impact on the sporting side. Benzema was not included in the squad list for the match against Al Fateh, which ended 2-2 on matchday 18 of the Saudi Pro League, a decision by coach Sérgio Conceição that fueled rumors of a rift between the player and the club.
So far, neither Al Ittihad nor the player himself has released statements to explain the exclusion, which increases the uncertainty about his future. The forward's contract expires in June of this year and, if this stance is maintained, he could train away from the squad and not play again until he becomes a free agent.
Benzema podría no jugar hasta quedar libre
In parallel, with the European market still open, it is not ruled out that Benzema could return to the Old Continent if the club finds a solution that it considers suitable for its main star.
Benzema's numbers at Al Ittihad
Since his arrival at the Arab team in mid-2023, the Frenchman has played 83 matches, in which he has scored 54 goals and provided 17 assists. In terms of titles, he has lifted the Saudi Pro League24/25, in which he was named MVP of the season, and the King's Cup of Saudi Arabia 24/25, in whose final he was chosen as the best player on the field.
