Karim Benzema at Crossroads: The Future of Al-Ittihad Hangs in the Balance
Karim Benzema's uncertain future at Al-Ittihad has taken center stage as he navigates offers from Europe and weighs his options amidst talks of retirement. The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner remains committed to playing for at least two more years, but the club's sporting plans will be pivotal in his decision-making process.
Karim Benzema has admitted he is unsure whether he will stay at Al-Ittihad beyond this season, confirming European offers are on the table while insisting he has no intention of retiring any time soon. As he approaches 38, the 2022 Ballon dOr winner wants clarity over the club's sporting plans before deciding where he will play next, as he remains determined to continue for at least two more years.Benzema is entering the final stretch of his current Al-Ittihad contract, and the uncertainty around the club's future plans has left the veteran striker weighing up his next move. Recent speculation has ranged from a contract extension to a possible exit and even retirement, but none of those scenarios has yet been agreed or ruled out officially. His situation has drawn major interest from European clubs keen to bring him back closer to the elite level he dominated for over a decade with Real Madrid.The Frenchman remains valued highly by Al-Ittihad, who see him as both a sporting leader and a marketing icon, but their early season struggles in the Saudi Pro League have frustrated his competitive ambitions. While he remains settled off the pitch, Benzema has made it clear he does not want to see out his final years without challenging for major silverware. With his deal only running until 2026, any decision will depend on whether the club can fairly urgently present a project that convinces him to stay.For now, he remains focused on contributing to this season and staying in peak condition as he nears his 38th birthday in December. His message is that he is far from finished physically or mentally, but he wants his final chapters to match his ambitions.Benzema opened up about the crossroads he faces in a recent interview with AS, confirming he will not be rushed into a decision. "It's true that my contract here is coming to an end. I can't say yet what I'm going to do, whether I'll stay or leave - it depends on a lot of things. In December, I'll be 38. I still see myself playing football for another two years."He emphasised that he wants a long-term vision, not a short extension just for the sake of it. "We'll see what happens, what the club thinks. I like to talk face-to-face and then see what they think. The best thing for me would be to continue here, but not just for one or two more years. I don't want to do that."Benzema also confirmed offers from Europe remain active, though comfort and respect matter as much as the level of competition. "It's true that I have offers from Europe. I need to consider everything, choose wisely, and see where I feel good, not forgetting that I feel comfortable here and receive everyone's affection. In any case, I'm not going to stop playing football or competing in six months."Benzema has repeatedly stated that he still feels in strong physical condition despite his age and the demands of the Saudi Pro League. He continues to work rigorously in training, confident that his technical ability and football intelligence allow him to remain decisive in key moments. His affection for Al-Ittihad's fans and the respect he receives in Saudi Arabia remain key parts of why staying is still an attractive option.Yet the pull of Europe, and especially the Champions League, has never left him. He has openly admitted he continues to watch Real Madrid matches and the top European competitions, describing them as "magical" and a constant reminder of the highest stage. Fenerbahce had reportedly placed the former France international on their wishlist for January; however, are going to be unlikely to actually make a move.Talks with Al-Ittihad leadership are expected to take place soon, as both sides seek clarity before the second half of the season. If the club can present a convincing project, Benzema could renew his commitment in Saudi Arabia and aim for one last push for titles. Failure to do so, however, would open the door for a dramatic late-career return to European football.European interest will likely intensify as the summer window approaches, especially with top-level clubs monitoring both his availability and his fitness. Retirement is not being considered in the short term, and Benzema himself has set a clear timeline by projecting his goodbye closer to 2028.
The Decision Looms
Karim Benzema finds himself facing a pivotal moment in his career as his contract with Al-Ittihad nears its end. With offers from European clubs on the table, the French striker is carefully considering his next move, emphasizing the importance of a clear sporting project to guide his decision.
Balancing Priorities
While Benzema remains highly valued by Al-Ittihad both on and off the pitch, the club's early-season struggles have left him pondering his future. He is resolute in his desire to compete for major honors and is unwilling to settle for a short-term extension that does not align with his ambitions.
European Temptation
Despite his attachment to Al-Ittihad and the affection he receives in Saudi Arabia, Benzema has not ruled out a return to European football. The allure of top-level competition, particularly the Champions League, continues to beckon, providing a tantalizing alternative should talks with his current club not yield a compelling vision for the future.
Remaining Focused
As Benzema turns 38 in December, he remains steadfast in his determination to continue playing at the highest level for at least two more years. His commitment to maintaining peak physical condition and his unwavering competitive spirit underscore his readiness for the challenges that lie ahead.
Clarity on the Horizon
With discussions with Al-Ittihad's leadership on the horizon, the coming weeks are set to provide clarity on Benzema's future. Should the club present a compelling vision that aligns with his aspirations, a renewal in Saudi Arabia could be in the cards. However, if a mutually satisfactory agreement proves elusive, a return to European shores may beckon for the seasoned striker.



