Karim Benzema is contemplating leaving the Saudi Pro League after a lackluster stint, and reports suggest he might issue a warning to Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United. His disagreements with now-former manager Nuno Espirito Santo led to the latter’s dismissal in November. Various Premier League teams are eyeing the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner to bolster their striker options before the January transfer window closes.
Manchester United, having faced a void following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, temporarily filled it by signing Wout Weghorst on loan last year. Despite additional investment from minority stakeholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United faces financial constraints. With only 24 goals in 21 games this season, acquiring Benzema becomes crucial, especially with manager Erik ten Hag sidelining Anthony Martial.
Chelsea, despite significant spending, hasn’t found a productive striker under Mauricio Pochettino. Inconsistencies in Nicolas Jackson’s form and setbacks in Christopher Nkunku’s fitness add to the urgency. Armando Broja, the club’s only other recognized striker, may leave if Chelsea finds a replacement and meets their £50 million valuation.
Arsenal is also in the hunt for a striker, considering Ivan Toney’s likely stay at Brentford until the summer. Benzema’s loan transfer could be a viable option. Al Ittihad, reluctant to lose its prized asset mid-season, still has two and a half years left on Benzema’s contract.
Despite the contract, Benzema may believe he can secure a return to a major European club in the next two weeks, especially if Jordan Henderson succeeds in his contractual negotiations with Al Ettifaq prior to his move to Ajax. The situation creates an intriguing transfer scenario in the ongoing football season.
