Benzema left Real Madrid last June (Picture: Getty)
Karim Benzema is eager to return to Europe just months after joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad with Manchester United interested in signing him this month.
The 36-year-old ended his 14-year spell in the Spanish capital last June to sign a three-year deal reportedly worth £86million-a-season with the Saudi Pro League side.
The former France international has scored 12 goals in his 20 appearances but problems have begun to emerge for him in Saudi.
Benzema failed to report for the start of Al-Ittihad’s pre-season campaign last Friday, with the team travelling to Dubai without him over the weekend. Head coach Marcelo Gallardo has ordered him to not join up with his teammates, Marca report, making no concessions for one of Europe’s most decorated players.
Benzema has reportedly missed training on three separate occasions towards the end of 2023 with reports elsewhere suggesting his future at the club is now uncertain.
BeIN Sports report Benzema is now keen to return to Europe just six months on from leaving Real Madrid to join Al-Ittihad.
The report names United as one of the clubs interested in offering him a route back to Europe with the Premier League side expecting a response in the coming weeks.
Ten Hag wants another option up front (Picture: Getty)
While Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund were both on target in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham, United have been short of firepower all season and are the lowest goal scorers among the top 13 sides in the league.
With Anthony Martial offering no reliable alternative to 20-year-old Hojlund up front, the club are exploring loan moves this month with a more experienced striker being sought for the remainder of the season.
United are not the only Premier League side in the market for a striker this month with both Arsenal and Chelsea eager to strengthen up top.
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Brentford star Ivan Toney and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen are wanted by both London clubs but both players would be expected to cost in the region of £100million this month.
Benzema meanwhile is not the first Saudi Pro League star to be linked with a return to Europe with former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson eager to return.
Ajax and Juventus are said to be keen on signing the England international.
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