Karim Benzema Reportedly 'Disrespected' by Saudi Pro League Contract Offer
French football star Karim Benzema is said to be feeling 'disrespected' by a new contract proposal from Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad, according to recent reports. The 38-year-old Ballon d'Or winner, who left Real Madrid for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, is now out of contract this summer and weighing his options after being unimpressed with the terms offered.
Details of the Controversial Offer and Benzema's Reaction
ESPN reports that the contract offer, which came from the Saudi Pro League organisation that handles deals for players at PIF-owned clubs, would effectively mean Benzema would be 'nearly playing for free'. In response, the veteran striker has reportedly taken himself out of Al Ittihad's first-team squad and is training independently while he assesses his future.
Despite scoring eight goals in 14 appearances this season, Benzema's potential departure could have significant ramifications for the Saudi football landscape. He is not alone in considering an exit from the Middle Eastern league, with French winger Moussa Diaby also rumoured to be leaving and two-time Premier League winner N'Golo Kanté 'very close' to agreeing terms with Turkish club Fenerbahçe.
How High-Profile Departures Could Fuel Mohamed Salah Transfer Pursuit
These potential big-name exits create an intriguing domino effect that could benefit Saudi clubs' transfer ambitions. Notably, the departure of players like Benzema and Kanté would provide Al Ittihad and other Saudi Pro League teams with increased financial flexibility to pursue European stars they have long coveted.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah remains a primary target for Saudi clubs, with Al Ittihad having attempted to sign him two years ago and maintaining strong interest. Currently, the Saudi side lacks the financial room to complete such a deal, but the potential exits of high-earning players like Benzema could change that equation dramatically.
Mohamed Salah's Current Situation at Liverpool
The Egyptian forward, who signed a new contract with Liverpool last season securing substantial wages, has experienced a dip in form this campaign, failing to reach double figures in goals. This has led to occasional bench appearances and public frustration from the player.
'I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season,' Salah recently stated. 'Now I'm sitting on the bench and I don't know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus.'
He further elaborated on his relationship with manager Arne Slot, saying: 'I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden, we don't have any relationship. I don't know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club.'
Broader Transfer Implications for Saudi Pro League
Saudi clubs continue to target elite European talent beyond Salah, with recent links to players like Vinícius Júnior (potentially leaving Real Madrid) and Ousmane Dembélé. The potential departure of established stars like Benzema provides Saudi teams with both added motivation and financial headroom to pursue these ambitious transfer targets as they seek to elevate their league's global profile.
The coming months will reveal whether Benzema's contract dissatisfaction leads to his departure from Saudi Arabia, and whether that in turn creates the financial conditions for a renewed, serious attempt to bring Mohamed Salah to the Middle Eastern league.
