Countdown to the End: Benzema Signals Exit as Mourinho’s Shadow Looms over Al-Ittihad

Karim Benzema’s stay at Al-Ittihad seems to be nearing its final act, despite the trophies he helped win and the leadership he provided on and off the pitch. The French forward arrived amid a fanfare in 2023 and has continued to deliver crucial goals, but whispers about his future have intensified as his contract approaches its end. The saga unfolds against a backdrop of European interest and questions about the club’s stability.

Rumors of a potential European return have gathered pace, with links to Jose Mourinho and Benfica circulating in press circles. Italian journalist Rudy Galetti reported that Benzema would be tempted by a European comeback, possibly to play under Mourinho at Benfica, with the possibility of a free transfer next summer. Yet a January move appears unlikely, and the club’s stance has remained guarded as Al-Ittihad navigates its own internal changes following the departure of coach Laurent Blanc.

Mourinho’s Move

According to the recent reports, Benzema’s plan could involve rejoining Europe, and Benfica has emerged as the most prominent rumored destination under Mourinho’s leadership. The discussions suggest the option could be an attractive one if a summer exit is pursued, though whether the club would allow a mid-season transition remains unclear. For now, the front office has not publicly confirmed any concrete decision, and the question of Benzema’s retention versus departure continues to be debated within the corridors of power at Jeddah.

Meanwhile, the Al-Ittihad camp has faced a series of administrative and sporting challenges, including a managerial change and difficulties in bolstering the squad. The club’s long-term plans appear to hinge on solving a complex mix of contract renewals for foreign and domestic players, player recruitment strategies, and the overall stability of the project as it eyes continued success in domestic and continental competitions.

The White Flag

Facing Mourinho’s rumored advances and ongoing pressures, Benzema could be tempted to raise the white flag and depart at the season’s end, particularly as the team endures significant adversity. While last season saw him help the team win the league and the King’s Cup and secure a Champions League Elite qualification, this campaign has been marked by instability and underperformance across the board.

Al-Ittihad has suffered from leadership changes, recruitment missteps, and difficulties renewing foreign and domestic contracts. The team’s readiness has looked uneven in big matches, underscoring the sensitive balance between star power and a coherent, functioning unit. The possibility of Benzema leaving, with his dues fully settled, would symbolize not just a tactical shift but a symbolic turning point for the club.

Additionally, the club’s reliance on Benzema’s leadership has been a recurring theme; several younger players viewed him as a role model. His potential exit would ripple beyond the scoreline and into the club’s psyche, forcing a strategic rethink as they prepare for a future without their captain-in-chief.

A Major Blow

The departure of Benzema would represent a seismic shock to Al-Ittihad’s plans, potentially coinciding with other anticipated exits, including for Ngolo Kanté. Losing the French star would remove a multifaceted attacker who did more than just lead the line—his movement, hold-up play, and distribution helped shape the team’s attacking dynamics. Last season’s tally, where Benzema was among the top scorers and a key creator, would be hard to replace in a single window.

The impact would be not only tactical but psychological, as Benzema’s leadership had inspired a generation of players. Beyond the on-field contribution, his presence helped anchor a squad dealing with a turbulent administrative landscape. The club would need to rebuild around a new core and prepare for a future of European ambitions that no longer could count on the same central figure.

Consequently, the club would likely assemble a plan to cover the anticipated gap with multiple forwards, while recognizing that replacing a player of Benzema’s stature would be a long-term project. The exit would signify more than a loss of goals; it would mark the end of an era and require the organization to redefine its identity and aspirations in the months ahead.

Meanwhile, the club’s supporters and staff alike are grappling with the possibility that Benzema’s departure could be more than a transfer rumor—it could be a strategic pivot with lasting implications for the team’s trajectory in the Saudi Pro League and Asia’s top competitions.

And for fans, the question remains: will Benzema finish the season in Jeddah or lift a white flag on his Saudi adventure to resume his European chapter elsewhere?

In the end, whether Benzema stays or goes, Al-Ittihad will carry on—because every great team learns to live with a lighter bench and a heavier heart once the star power drifts away. The club’s next moves will determine not only its tactical balance but its identity as a serious European aspirant.

Final note: in the transfer market, one star can shine, but a whole squad can burn—if you forget to feed the flames with smart signings. And if Mourinho ends up with Benzema in Benfica, consider that a headline that writes itself: a master strategist and a talisman collide in a story only football could author. The rest is just subs and pre-season friendlies, right?

Two light-hearted lines to close: 1) If rumors were goals, Benzema would be top scorer in every league—and my notification feed would be ringing nonstop. 2) Mourinho and Benfica together again? That’s not a déjà vu moment, it’s a transfer sequel—tune in for the next episode, with popcorn and a red card at the ready.