Karim Benzema wants to leave Al Ittihad after conflict with Nuno Espirito Santo

Chirayu Parmar August 24, 2023

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French superstar Karim Benzema wants to leave Al Ittihad after a conflict with manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Moreover, the manager told the Al Ittihad board that Benzema does not fit into his plans. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner only joined the club in June this year. He signed a three-year contract with Al Ittihad after a glittering career at Real Madrid.

🚨 Nuno Espírito Santo has reportedly informed the Al-Ittihad board that Karim Benzema does not fit into his tactical style. 👀

He wasn't keen on signing the Ballon d'Or winner in the first place, which is leading to tension between the two men.

The Portuguese manager also… pic.twitter.com/yxesa5AQ5S
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 23, 2023

French star reportedly wants Al Ittihad captaincy

However, according to reports, the tension between the two has risen. Moreover, when Benzema had expressed a desire for the captaincy at Al Ittihad, the Portuguese coach declined to do that.

Benzema allegedly agreed to be club skipper as part of his transfer negotiations with Al Ittihad, who won the Saudi Pro League title under Nuno last season.

The striker has made two appearances for Al Ittihad this season but hasn’t found the net himself. However, he did contribute an assist during a 3-0 triumph against Al Raed.

But, the French striker is reportedly “not comfortable” at the SPL club. Furthermore, he thinks that he is “being treated unprofessionally by his coach”. Such tensions could lead to the player’s shock exit just two months after joining the team.

Karim Benzema wants to leave Al Ittihad after just two months

It remains to be seen what happens next at Al Ittihad. In such scenarios, either the player leaves the club or as happens in many cases, the manager.

Benzema is one of four players to join the club from Europe, with N’Golo Kante, Fabinho, and Jota also being signed by the club this summer.

Moreover, Al-Ittihad started the domestic season with back-to-back wins over Al Raed and Al Ta’ee. They are currently sitting at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.

The SPL club’s next game is against Al Riyadh on Thursday before coming up against Al Wehda next Monday.

Benzema scored 354 goals in 648 games across his time at Real Madrid, claiming four La Liga titles in the process. Moreover, he has also earned 97 caps for France, netting 37 times.