Manchester United are reportedly looking to make a surprise signing, and it's Karim Benzema, 37, of Al Ittihad.
"United are hoping to sign Benzema, who has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season, on loan. He has been linked with a move away from Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad."
Benzema is a legendary forward for Real Madrid and the French national team. He spent 14 seasons with the club between 2009 and 2023, winning five UEFA Champions League titles and four La Liga titles.
His best season was the 2021-2022 campaign. Benzema was a one-man show, scoring 27 goals and 12 assists in the league and 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 games across all competitions.
In the UCL alone, Benzema was the top scorer with 15 goals. That helped Real Madrid win their 14th big title, as they dominated La Liga, the España, and the UCL.
It was Benzema's best season yet, and he won his first Ballon d'Or and was named to the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World XI. He won the UCL and La Liga scoring titles, the UEFA World Player of the Year, and Marca's La Liga Player of the Year.
Having achieved it all, Benzema left Real Madrid in June of last year to join the Saudi scene. Instead of extending his contract with Real Madrid by one year, he signed a deal with Al Ittihad until 2026. Al Ittihad reportedly offered him €400 million over two years.
Benzema has continued to excel in Saudi Arabia, 안전놀이터 where he has clashed with former coach Nuno Santos, but has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 15 league appearances, scoring an attacking point almost every game.
However, Benzema is apparently unhappy in Saudi Arabia. According to European soccer transfer market expert Nicolo Skrera and Saudi media, he wants to return to Europe. As a result, Benzema was excluded from the preseason tour and stripped of his captaincy due to his frequent absences from training.
Man United are reportedly targeting Benzema. According to Spanish publication Pichajes, "United are eyeing Benzema. They want to bring in a striker on loan who can compete with Rasmus Hoyun for a starting spot. Manager Eric ten Hagh believes Benzema would be a valuable addition to strengthen the squad and increase internal competition."
However, United will have to beat off competition from his hometown club, Olympique Lyonnais, and Real Madrid to keep Benzema. According to the media, Real Madrid and Lyon are also interested in signing Benzema. Lyon, in particular, are in desperate need of the veteran as they are in the relegation zone.
If Benzema were to join United, he could solve their goal drought. "Benzema would be an ideal stopgap measure," said CutOffside. He can take United forward in the future. He has proven over the years that he is a top-class player, both for the club and the French national team. There is no doubt that Benzema is a world-class player."
Former United player Louis Saha added: "Benzema will change United's attack. That's what they need right now. He will definitely score goals and ensure better team play. It's just a dream at the moment, but Benzema is still very professional," he urged.
