Juventus plot winter bombshell: Benzema on the radar
1 February 2026
Juventus' late bid for Benzema
Back to Europe via Calcio doors.
Juventus is trying to sign French striker Karim Benzema, the Al-Ittihad forward, in the final hours of the ongoing winter transfer window.
According to the French newspaper L'Équipe, Juventus officials have already inquired about Benzema in the winter, but there has been no progress in talks between Juventus and Al-Ittihad so far as of this moment.
Within Al-Ittihad: tensions and talks
The crisis at Al-Ittihad is escalating as the mystery surrounding Benzema's future grows amid tensions with management and renewal talks stalling this week.
British journalist Ben Jacobs, via his X account, said Benzema again asked to be excluded from the Al-Ittihad squad for Sunday's Star match, despite taking part in group training today alone.
Jacobs explained that Benzema told the management he was not ready to participate, amid clear tension in the squad caused by failed renewal talks, with several other players nearing contract expiry who have begun pressing to leave, placing Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao in an unexpectedly difficult position this week.
Information indicates the crisis began in earnest after Benzema was left out of Al-Ittihad's squad for the Al-Fateh match that ended 2-2 in Roshan's round 19, a match that sparked wide controversy over his commitment and his staying with the team, raising questions about leadership and future plans for everyone.
Meanwhile, reliable journalist Sacha Talavori said Benzema's departure is becoming likely, and the player may find a new club before the transfer window closes.
However Benzema feels unwelcome at Al-Ittihad, especially after an extension offer limited to his image rights with no salary increase.
Outlook: a winter saga that could reshape the Saudi and European corridors, with Benzema's next destination still unclear, and Juventus watching closely while the clock ticks.
Punchline 1: Benzema's transfer saga is basically a calendar with more deadlines than paydays.
Punchline 2: If the mercato were a movie, Benzema would star in "House of Negotiations" – ticket price is your patience.
