Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad) refused to play in a match, sending shockwaves through the soccer world. The fallout is greater because it is an unexpected variable that emerged when he seemed to be settling in steadily in the Saudi Arabian Pro League.
L'Équipe reported that tensions between Benzema and his club Al Ittihad have sharply increased. According to the report, Benzema refused to play just hours before the away match. The superficial reason was the terms of a contract renewal.
Benzema had been hoping to renew his contract with the club, but he claims the club failed to give a clear answer throughout the transfer window and at the last minute presented an offer lower than the terms previously mentioned. In particular, analysts say he found it insulting when the club presented terms that guaranteed only image rights revenue while excluding base salary and bonuses. Locally, expressions even appeared saying the conditions were effectively close to unpaid.
Sérgio Conceição, who holds the reins at Al Ittihad, drew a line when asked about the matter. He said, "You should ask the club executives about that issue," avoiding direct comment. However, he praised the player, saying, "Benzema is a truly excellent player, and he showed outstanding scoring ability among the players I have coached," showing respect for the player.
Benzema was reportedly planning to finish his career at Al Ittihad. As recently as a month ago he left a remark, "I am part of this project," showing willingness to sign a long-term contract, but during negotiations he appears to have given up after judging that the club's attitude changed. Local media predicted that he is likely to leave the team at the end of the season when he becomes a free agent.
Benzema is not the first to leave the Saudi league. Jordan Henderson also chose to return to Europe six months after moving to the Middle East. It is a precedent that even large contracts can end in separation if the environment and project direction differ from expectations.
In particular, Son Heung-min, who received an aggressive love call from the Saudi league, will have to think more carefully. The likelihood of a transfer is not high, but the future is uncertain.
Several possibilities have been raised about Benzema's next destination. Scenarios include a return to Europe as well as a move to the North American stage. Candidates mentioned include his former club Olympique Lyon, Juventus, and SL Benfica. In particular, Benfica drew interest with talk of a possible reunion with manager José Mourinho, who had a mentor-protégé relationship with him during his Real Madrid days.
Benzema was born in 1987 and is entering the twilight of his career, but his market value and recognition remain high. Whether the extreme choice of refusing to play will end as a mere incident or become a turning point that changes the direction of his career is something to watch a little longer.
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