According to a source, Karim Benzema does not fit into Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans for Al-Ittihad and has been informed of this by the club.

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner signed a three-year contract with the Saudi Pro League champions in June, ending a glittering 14-year career with Real Madrid.

But according to the Saudi publication Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, Benzema and his management are at odds.

Nuno allegedly informed the Al-Ittihad hierarchy that the France international did not suit his playing style and that he never requested the transfer, according to the article.

The 35-year-old, who has five Champions League titles, is rumored to have requested for the captaincy, but Nuno reportedly declined and gave Romarinho the reins instead.

As part of his transfer negotiations with Al-Ittihad, who won the Saudi Pro League championship under Nuno last season, Benzema apparently promised to be the club captain.

 

After “being treated unprofessionally by his coach,” Benzema is apparently “not comfortable” working under the existing circumstances at Al-Ittihad.

Such conflicts might even result in the player’s shocking departure from the team just two months after joining it.

N’Golo Kante, Fabinho, and Jota were also acquired by the team this summer. Benzema is one of four players from European teams who have joined the club this season.

With back-to-back victories over Al-Raed and Al-Ta’ee to start the domestic campaign, Al-Ittihad is presently seated atop the Saudi Pro League standings.

Even though Benzema hasn’t scored in either of the games, he did manage to pick up an assist in the season opener.

On Thursday, Nuno’s team will play again against Al-Riyadh before facing Al-Wehda the following Monday.

During his stint at Real Madrid, Benzema amassed 354 goals in 648 appearances and won four La Liga championships.

Additionally, he has 97 caps for France and 37 goals.