Lyon are attempting a reunion with Karim Benzema, who could become the latest high-profile player to leave the Saudi Pro League this month.
Talks have taken place over a deal that would see the striker return to his boyhood club, but making the move happen will not be easy. Benzema, who began his career in Lyon’s academy, joined Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid on a three-year deal last summer and finances could make a return to Europe complicated.
The 36-year-old, who won five Champions Leagues after joining Madrid from Lyon in 2009, was part of the wave of top talent that moved from Europe to Saudi Arabia last year. Al-Ittihad are one of four clubs controlled by the country’s Public Investment Fund. Many big names that headed to Saudi clubs were handed lucrative contracts.
The money on offer in the Middle East was not enough to stop the former Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson, from leaving Al-Ettifaq last week. Henderson has joined Ajax. Aymeric Laporte, the former Manchester City defender, has voiced frustration over life in the Saudi league but Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo has praised it.
Benzema’s situation caught the eye after he left on holiday last week without permission and was late returning to the team. Al-Ittihad have not received an offer for the former France international forward and are planning talks with him to clear the air. Benzema has scored 12 goals in 20 appearances this season but has been criticised for his performances and Al-Ittihad are seventh in the league, 25 points off the top. They won the title last season.
Whether Lyon are capable of bringing Benzema back to France remains to be seen. The forward won four consecutive league titles with them between 2005-2008, but they are 16th in Ligue 1, which is the relegation playoff place, and have experienced financial difficulties. The club, which is owned by Eagle Football, a multiclub group started by the American businessman John Textor, are already on to their third manager of the season. Pierre Sage is in charge following the dismissals of Fabio Grosso and Laurent Blanc.
