Al-Ittihad block Benzema to Chelsea move

Despite swirling rumors and growing interest from European clubs, Al-Ittihad has made it clear that Karim Benzema, the 36-year-old football star, will not be leaving Saudi Arabia this transfer window, as per reports from L’Équipe.

This development follows earlier speculations, initially reported by AFP, that Benzema had expressed a desire to exit the Saudi club just months after his high-profile move from Real Madrid.

Despite denials from Benzema's camp about these departure rumors, several European teams are reportedly lining up for the seasoned striker. 

Notably, Olympique Lyonnais, Benzema's formative club, and Manchester United, now managed by Omar Berrada, a figure with close ties to PIF executives, are among the interested parties. This interest underscores Benzema's continued high regard in European football circles.

While Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, has firmly closed the door on a Benzema return, Al-Ittihad is taking a different stance. 

According to L’Équipe, the Saudi club is not entertaining the idea of Benzema's return to Europe, viewing such a move as a regression for the Saudi Pro League. 

However, they are open to the possibility of loaning Benzema to another Saudi club before the transfer window closes, keeping the star striker within the Gulf State's football ecosystem.