Benzema’s Renewal Gamble: Will the Legend Stay or Spark a European Farewell?
11 November 2025
Recent reports signal a turning point in Karim Benzema's future with Al Ittihad, as rumors swirl about a possible departure when his contract ends in June. The French captain has been pivotal in leading the team to a domestic double and remains a central figure in the club's plans.
Renewal Talks That Keep Fans Guessing
According to L'Équipe, management has opened talks to extend Benzema's deal, underscoring his leadership, experience, and influence on and off the pitch. While the details are not made public, the discussions reflect the club's intent to maintain performance and continuity following last season's success.
The club's commitment to retaining Benzema is framed by his role in steering Al Ittihad to league glory and the King’s Cup, a testament to the enduring value he still brings at the highest level.
A Rebuild, or Europe Again?
Some Saudi sources have floated the idea of a squad refresh—moving on older contracts and prioritizing younger talents to spearhead the coming years. Yet the renewal talks highlight that Benzema remains central to the club's plans, with statements from leadership indicating a desire to balance veteran leadership with fresh faces in key positions, especially upfront.
Fahd Sindi, the club president, has previously stressed the need for new players in several areas. The tension between a youthful rebuild and keeping a proven goal-scorer encapsulates the broader debate within the team as they plan for the next seasons.
Europe Beckons? Benfica as a Possible Chapter
At the same time, whispers of a European return persist. Benfica, under Jose Mourinho, has emerged as a potential destination that could leverage Benzema's vast experience and tactical intelligence, rekindling ties from the Madrid era. Although the contract with Al Ittihad runs until June, the door remains open for a final European chapter.
If a move happens, Benfica would gain a high-profile striker with both depth of experience and a winning mentality to push domestically and in Europe. The idea of reuniting with Mourinho, a coach who has long valued Benzema's cerebral approach to the game, adds a poetic layer to the rumors.
Respectful Ties and a Possible New Page
Despite any past friction during their Real Madrid days, the relationship between Mourinho and Benzema is widely described as built on mutual respect. The prospect of reuniting in Benfica represents more than a transfer—it would symbolize a mature, late-career reunion and a chance to close the European loop with an ex-club legend at the helm.
In this unfolding saga, Benzema's future remains uncertain as his deal with Al Ittihad approaches its June deadline. Whether he stays to lend experience and leadership or heads back to Europe for one final bow, the narrative centers on legacy, loyalty, and the stubborn charm of a grand finale.
Rising questions linger about what comes next for Al Ittihad, Benzema, and the wider landscape of contemporary football—yet the allure of a last European flourish keeps fans watching closely.
Punchline 1: If contract talks were a long-range shot, Benzema just curved it into the top corner without even needing a wall. Pow!
Punchline 2: When in doubt, ask a 37-year-old striker: he’ll remind you that a great career is a marathon, not a sprint—and might still outrun your transfer window.
