Is Karim Benzema leaving Saudi Arabia? Latest on striker linked with Man United loan amid Al Ittihad discontent

It appears that Karim Benzema's adventure in Saudi Arabia is not going according to plan.

The experienced striker moved to Al Ittihad in the summer of 2023 after bringing to an end his storied 14-year career at Real Madrid, where he scored 354 goals in 648 games, a tally bettered only by Cristiano Ronaldo.

His former teammate has thrived in the Saudi Pro League after making a high-profile switch a year earlier, but Benzema's time in the country has been an unhappier one.

Now rumours are building that a January exit could be in the offing for the 36-year-old French striker, with Manchester United among those linked with a possible move for the player during the transfer window.

The Sporting News looks at the latest on Benzema's future and whether a switch to the Premier League — or, indeed, a return to a former club — could be on the cards.

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Benzema has been tipped to leave Saudi Arabia in the early part of 2024 after appearing to fall foul of Al Ittihad head coach Marcelo Gallardo.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, the striker did not show up for Al Ittihad's training camp during their mid-season break from Saudi Pro League duties. As a result, Gallardo has instructed the player not to travel with the group for their warm-up camp.

Marca's report added that Benzema missed training on three occasions before the turn of the year, strengthening suggestions that he is unhappy with life at the Jeddah-based club.

It was further reported by Fichajes that three clubs are interested in a possible deal for Benzema, who could be allowed to leave Al Ittihad on loan before the end of the January transfer window.

Fichajes claimed on January 14 that Manchester United are one