Karim Benzema reportedly misses out on Al-Ittihad Dubai tour amid Man United transfer links

Karim Benzema reportedly misses out on Al-Ittihad’s Dubai tour, raising questions about his situation with the Saudi Pro League club. The former Real Madrid forward joined Al-Ittihad in the summer after the expiration of his contract with the Spanish giants. His move to the Saudi league put him alongside notable names like N’Golo Kante and Fabinho.

Despite scoring 12 goals in 20 games for Al-Ittihad, Benzema seems to be encountering issues in Saudi Arabia. This has led former Manchester United striker Louis Saha to suggest that Benzema could be a potential target for United in the January transfer window, emphasizing his ability to bring a positive change to the team’s attack.

Louis Saha, speaking to AS, expressed, “Benzema would change United’s attack, and that’s exactly what they need now. He would definitely score goals and also ensure better team play. For now, it is just a dream, but Karim is still very professional.”

However, recent reports from Spanish outlet Marca indicate that Benzema’s situation at Al-Ittihad is far from ideal. It’s reported that the striker failed to attend a training camp ahead of the club’s upcoming tour of Dubai, prompting manager Marcelo Gallardo to exclude him from the squad. The decision is said to be a result of Benzema’s absence without official permission, and it’s not the first time he has missed training.

Despite the challenges, Benzema remains under contract with Al-Ittihad until 2026. The club is unlikely to be eager to part ways with one of their star players. Regarding Manchester United’s approach to the January transfer window, manager Erik ten Hag has acknowledged the possibility of loan deals.

“You always have to consider such choices. They are, again, two very good loans; (Marcel) Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst really contributed to our success last year,” ten Hag said. “When such opportunities come up, we have to take them. At the same time, you have to analyze what we have on board, what is coming up.”

While a move for Benzema may be on the wishlist for some, the likelihood of it happening appears slim. Manchester United has already taken steps to alleviate Financial Fair Play concerns, parting ways with high-earning players such as Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek, who have both joined the Bundesliga on loan.

The situation with Benzema in Saudi Arabia raises questions about his adaptation to the new league and team dynamics. His absence from training camps and reported disciplinary issues may be a cause for concern for both the player and the club. It remains to be seen whether this situation will impact his future with Al-Ittihad or if the player and management can resolve any underlying issues.

As for Manchester United, their focus on loan deals suggests a cautious approach to the transfer market. While the idea of adding a proven goal-scorer like Benzema to the squad is appealing, financial considerations and recent departures indicate a more measured strategy in the January window. The club’s supporters will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds, especially with the potential for unexpected opportunities and challenges in the fast-paced world of football transfers.