Loyalty, Silence, or Escalation: 3 Scenarios for Karim Benzema's Future After Al Ittihad Denies Transfer Rumors

Despite Al Ittihad's deep focus on finding a new coach following the dismissal of Laurent Blanc, the future of French striker and superstar Karim Benzema remains a critical priority, given his immense influence on the pitch and in the locker room. Following the club's official denial of transfer rumors, we are likely to witness one of three scenarios unfold regarding the player, whose contract expires at the end of the current season.

Benzema's Journey with Al Ittihad: From Criticism to Glory:

Karim Benzema joined Al Ittihad in the summer of 2023 from Real Madrid. His first season was challenging, drawing wide criticism from media and fans, as he scored only 13 goals and provided 8 assists in 29 matches across all competitions.

However, his second season saw an "explosion" in Benzema's performance and presence. This resurgence, especially following the arrival of French coach Laurent Blanc and changes to the foreign player roster (notably the departure of fellow striker Abderrazak Hamdallah), was instrumental. Benzema's strong performance helped the "Dean" secure the Saudi Pro League and King Cup trophies, tallying 25 goals and 9 assists in 33 matches.

Benzema's contract with Al Ittihad ends at the close of the current season, granting him the right to sign a pre-contract with any new club for free starting in January.

Rumors of a European Return and Mourinho's Denial:

Recently, rumors surfaced, particularly from journalist Ekrem Konur, about negotiations between Benfica and Benzema for a potential return to Europe, allegedly driven by Benfica's new coach, José Mourinho, who previously worked with the striker at Real Madrid.

Mourinho, however, completely denied the talks, stating that the 37-year-old player is not considering a return to European football. The Portuguese coach stressed that Benzema is financially happy at Al Ittihad and has achieved many titles, indicating a European move is not currently a priority.

Conversely, journalist Rudy Galetti reported that Benzema has decided not to renew his contract with Al Ittihad, citing a desire to participate in the UEFA Champions League before retiring. Galetti suggested a potential transfer in January, with the Saudi club reportedly valuing the remainder of his contract at €7-8 million should a mid-season departure be agreed upon.

Official Denial, but Player Silence:

Al Ittihad did not stay silent for long. Club spokesperson Riyadh Al Muzher officially denied all speculation regarding the former Real Madrid star's future. Al Muzher wrote on X that the reports were "completely unfounded" and urged fans not to follow rumors that seek to destabilize the club.

While the club's quick response is commendable, it hasn't fully defused the crisis. The key party, Benzema himself, has maintained absolute silence despite knowing the sensitivity of the matter to the fans who hold him in high regard after the club’s double title win.

The 3 Scenarios for Benzema’s Saga:

Following the official denial and Benzema's silence, there are three likely scenarios for the story's next chapter:

1. The Loyalty Scenario (Best for Al Ittihad): Benzema ends the speculation himself, through words or actions. This would involve him publicly confirming his commitment to Al Ittihad or actually signing a contract renewal, thus affirming his loyalty to the club and its fans.

2. The Silence Scenario (Hardest for Al Ittihad): The player maintains his current "silent mode," offering no statements or hints. This will result in continued anxiety and uncertainty until the January transfer window, and subsequently until his contract expires at the end of the season.

3. The Escalation Scenario (The Harshest for Al Ittihad): The player, his agent, or his entourage signals a desire to leave in January or at the end of the season. This could take the form of a direct statement, a meeting with representatives from Benfica or Mourinho, or a clear social media gesture (like deleting team photos or removing the "Al Ittihad player" tag), typical signs of a player seeking to force a move.

Benzema's lack of comment is fueling the fire, suggesting that the rumors may stem from genuine discontent within the club (perhaps due to the lack of significant foreign player changes after the double win or the firing of Blanc, who was his choice). The next Al Ittihad coach will be a crucial factor in the player's decision to renew.