Al-Ittihad Unveils Monaco's 19-Year-Old Dynamo to Fill Benzema's Void

Al-Ittihad Lands Monaco’s 19-Year-Old Dynamo to Fill Benzema’s Void

Al-Ittihad has officially signed Monaco's promising striker George Elinikina, aged 19.

The move injects youth into the club's attack as they bid to fill the void left by Karim Benzema's transfer to Al-Hilal.

Coming from Monaco, the 19-year-old forward—of Nigerian roots—boasts pace and technique, and even broke a Champions League record as Monaco's youngest scorer.

Al-Ittihad's official account on X shared a highlight reel of his touches and goals, captioned, "The new tiger enters the Deanship's den—welcome George Elinikina!"

His signing follows Benzema's shock departure to the rivals, a deal described as a blockbuster in Saudi football.

Several outlets say the French club's star's exit was tied to a renewal dispute, prompting the club to seek quick, offensive options.

Experts say Elinikina’s speed could tempt defenses and help fill the gap left by Benzema, but adapting to Saudi football will be the real test.

Punchline 1: If Elinikina scores a lot, we’ll know the net was his first love, not his defensive line.

Punchline 2: In football terms, this is speed-dating—Elinikina takes the field, Benzema takes a seat.