Chelsea transfer news as Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema makes surprise U-turn with move possible
Chelsea have an unexpected chance to complete the transfer of a life-time, nearly a decade after it first felt like they might do it. With their January window so far proving to be a dead end for Thomas Tuchel in terms of additions the final two weeks may well just have a big crescendo.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Al Ittihad striker Karim Benzema has been kicked from a trip to Dubai for training. It comes after he is said to have missed training last week as well as failing to report for the camp in the Middle East.
Esteemed manager Marcelo Gallardo reportedly made the call to leave without Benzema, who has played 15 times in the Saudi Pro League this season, scoring nine times. His absences haven’t yet been explained.
It has even been reported, in some camps, that Al Ittihad are lining up a replacement for the player with a transfer very much seen as being possible. The 36-year-old has already been making headlines this month after he was urged to leave Al Ittihad just six months after arriving by former Manchester United attacker Louis Saha. “Benzema would change United’s attack, and that’s exactly what they need now,” he told AS.
He would definitely score goals and also ensure better team play. For now it is just a dream, but Karim is still very professional.” Benzema, though, has already had a falling out in Saudi Arabia, not the first of his career either after being omitted from the France national team for the World Cup just over 12 months ago, and clashed with Nuno Espirito Santo before he was eventually sacked.
Now, with his side hovering in mid-table halfway through the season the chances of him departing have risen dramatically. Far from meeting his goals of winning more trophies on his new venture, Benzema hasn’t managed to truly inspire his team and, like Jordan Henderson, would be open to a mid-season move.
Al Ittihad aren’t expected to part with their star man easily though and are setting their stall out for a big offer. Despite bringing in Benzema for effectively free over the summer – ignoring what will be mammoth wages – he is contracted until 2026. With Chelsea long-term admirers of Benzema and Tuchel’s side lacking the clinical edge that he has shown throughout his career, links to the Frenchman have been understandable.
During the early-to-mid 2010s Benzema was often linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and was a favourite of Jose Mourinho at the time. However he remained at Real Madrid and to great effect, going on to score more than 350 goals in over 600 games for the club. He won five Champions League tites as well as the 2018 World Cup and was even crowned Ballon d’Or winner in 2022 as well.
Chelsea in need of someone with Benzema’s finishing skills as well as ability to create in the final third as they endure a slump of one win in seven. Ironically, Tuchel and his side are in Dubai themselves this week during the Premier League winter break.
For now, there is no sign of Benzema there and whilst he continues to be absent it will only leave talk of his future to be discussed by all parties.