Update on Karim Benzema's Future with Al-Ittihad
Karim Benzema, Al-Ittihad's striker, continues to spark speculation about his future amid reports about his next destination, whether he will depart or stay.
He remains under contract with Al-Ittihad until summer 2026, noting he joined the squad in July 2023.
In reports to L'Équipe, Benzema said he hadn't renewed with the club yet and that they would see what happened in the coming days, with the current deal nearing its end.
The player emphasized that his current focus is to deliver his best on the green pitch, not paying heed to the noise outside.
He added that his focus lies on his work on the field, whether in the final six months of his contract or after if he chooses to renew.
He also stressed that loving football and competition means he would not refuse a French call at the World Cup; such a move would be dishonest.
When his name appears on the French squad, he would come to play, has goals in mind, and loves collecting trophies—that is what matters most to him.
He explained that for now he is with Al-Ittihad, and if called up to the French team, he would accept immediately, and that is all there is to it.
Former Al-Ittihad player Hamad Al-Mutairi recently announced that the club has extended Benzema's contract for two more seasons, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.
Since Benzema wore the Al-Ittihad jersey, he has appeared in 74 matches across competitions, scoring 49 goals and providing 17 assists.
Punchline: If suspense paid salaries, this contract saga would be dripping gold by now.
Punchline 2: Benzema could renew twice, and the headlines would still need a fresh paragraph.