French Shockwaves at Al-Ittihad: Blanc Out, European Interest Looms over a Star-Studded Front

French Core Under Fire

The French backbone that helped Al-Ittihad rise to historic heights appears to be under growing pressure as the new season starts with questions around several top stars.

What looked like a solid foundation—led by Karim Benzema and the creative link of Houssem Aouar, supported by N'Golo Kanté’s relentless energy—now faces uncertainty after a scare from Al-Nassr early in the campaign.

Aouar bridged the lines with technical flair, while Kanté supplied the engine that kept the team ticking, and Diaby’s arrival from Aston Villa added further firepower to a line that already terrified opponents.

That French trio, complemented by Benzema and Dutch forward Steven Berghhuis, gave the attack a terrifying edge and helped secure Saudi Arabia’s big domestic prize last season. The accolades included a league title and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, marking the club’s first double in the professional era. But the early-season wobble has shaken confidence.

Laurent Blanc’s Exit

The biggest pivot may be Blanc’s sacking, coming just seven games into the season after a 2-0 defeat to Al-Nassr. Fans had already voiced discontent since last season, with campaigns accusing the coach of stale performances and last-minute winners, even amid silverware.

Blanc had steered the team to league and cup glory and earned the Saudi top flight’s Best Coach award last season, but the new wave of criticism intensified as results tailed off during pre-season and the league campaign began poorly.

His dismissal followed the loss that broke a long home unbeaten streak—21 wins and one draw from 22 league games—leaving Blanc’s future in question and opening the door to speculation about a quick new leadership in a volatile period.

Kanté’s Dilemma

The sacking amplifies what was already a brewing issue: Kanté’s contract, signed when he joined in 2023, expires at season’s end. There have been no direct renewal talks, and the veteran midfielder could hypothetically explore options elsewhere when the window opens.

His agent has publicly voiced concern about professional handling and warned of potential negotiations with clubs ready to offer a new home if a fair deal isn’t reached. The dynamic has underscored the fragility of a squad built around a cherished French core.

Benzema’s Europe Return Rumors

Amid the gloom, European whispers persist. Benzema reportedly received an approach from Jose Mourinho’s Benfica to consider a second-half return to Europe. Mourinho has history with Benzema from Real Madrid, and there’s a sense the striker may prefer a continental comfort zone to finish his adventure abroad.

While some outlets suggest Al-Ittihad is keen on extending Benzema’s deal, others say the forward could depart if a lucrative offer lands, potentially in the region of a five-to-seven million-euro package, depending on the negotiation climate and timing.

Aouar’s Future and a Clear-Out Talk

With Blanc’s departure, rumours about Houssem Aouar’s departure have gained momentum. The club reportedly explored several European targets capable of bridging the fields, and Aouar’s move remains a live possibility as he contends with a changing environment and global interest. Reports have also linked Al-Ittihad with Rodrigo Moreno from Porto, while some talk of a broader “cleansing” of the midfield trio—Aouar, Kanté, and Fabinho—has circulated following the Super Cup setback to Al-Nassr.

Amid this, the club considered bringing in European midfield anchors to maintain the link between defense and attack, with Portugal’s Moreno named among potential targets. Aouar’s future seems tied to Blanc’s exit, as the team weighs up long-term strategy and competitive integrity in a demanding league.

With Blanc gone, a potential exit for Aouar seems plausible, which would leave a major hole in the French core that built last season’s achievements. The “French base” of Al-Ittihad, once a source of pride, now faces a dramatic test as the club contemplates its next move.

Punchlines

1) If patience is a virtue, Al-Ittihad just earned sainthood—one prayer at a time for a win that doesn’t come on the last minute. 2) They say the ball doesn’t lie; apparently, it also doesn’t sign new contracts, which is why we might see more dramatic endings before the winter window.