“Galliardo made a serious mistake by demanding that Benzema be removed, which is unacceptable. Karim is an important part of the Saudi Arabia project and the club. We already have two or three options to replace him. “One of my main goals is to complete the majority of summer transfers before the start of Al-Ittihad’s preseason training, by July 12th,” Nazer is quoted as saying by Marca. Galliardo’s decision to demand Benzema’s removal was ill-advised and short-sighted. Benzema is a world-class striker who has been integral to Real Madrid’s success in recent years. Removing him from the squad would be a major blow to the team’s prospects, both in domestic and European competition. Galliardo should reconsider this demand and work to keep Benzema as part of the squad.
Karim Benzema is more than just a talented player – he is a key figure in the Saudi project to elevate Al-Ittihad and Saudi football as a whole. His international star power and leadership on the pitch would be difficult to replace. The club would be wise to do everything in its power to retain Benzema’s services. That being said, it is prudent for Nazer to have backup options ready in case negotiations with Benzema prove difficult. The summer transfer window is a crucial time for any club looking to strengthen its squad and challenge for trophies. Getting the majority of business done before preseason begins allows the team to hit the ground running and build chemistry ahead of the new campaign.
Nazer seems to recognize the importance of being proactive in the transfer market. Many top clubs struggle to complete their business early, with deals often dragging on until the final days of the window. If Al-Ittihad can get their key targets signed and sealed by mid-July, it will give them a significant advantage over their domestic and continental rivals.
The Saudi Pro League has seen increasing investment and talent in recent years, making it a more competitive landscape. Clubs like Al-Ittihad need to be shrewd and strategic in the transfer market to stay ahead of the curve. Nazer’s emphasis on speed and efficiency in this summer window suggests he understands the importance of hitting the ground running. Overall, Galliardo’s Benzema demand is a questionable move, but Nazer appears to have a sound plan in place to strengthen Al-Ittihad’s squad ahead of the new season. If he can pull off the majority of his targeted transfers before preseason, the club will be well-positioned to mount a serious challenge on multiple fronts.
36-year-old Karim Benzema joined the Saudi club in the summer of 2023 as a free agent. In the current season, he has made 29 appearances across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and providing 8 assists. His current contract with the club runs until the summer of 2026. According to information on the Transfermarkt portal, the player’s market value is estimated at €15 million. Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabia has raised eyebrows, as many expected the veteran striker to wind down his career at a top European club. However, the lure of a lucrative contract and the chance to help grow the game in the Middle East appears to have been too tempting for the Frenchman to pass up.
At 36 years old, Benzema is undoubtedly in the twilight of his career, but he has shown that he still has plenty to offer on the pitch. His goal-scoring prowess and creative ability remain intact, and he continues to be a driving force for his team. In 29 appearances this season, he has been directly involved in 21 goal contributions, demonstrating that he still has the quality to compete at the highest level. The Saudi club’s investment in Benzema is a clear statement of intent. They are determined to attract world-class talent to the league and build a team capable of challenging for domestic and continental honors. Benzema’s experience and leadership will be invaluable in this regard, as he can mentor the younger players and help them reach their full potential.
However, the move has not been without its challenges. Benzema has had to adapt to a new league, culture, and playing style, and there have been questions about whether he can maintain his high level of performance in the long term. The rigors of travel and the demanding schedule in Saudi Arabia may take a toll on the veteran striker’s body, and the club will need to manage his playing time carefully to ensure he remains fit and effective. Despite these concerns, Benzema has so far proven to be a shrewd acquisition for the Saudi club. His performances have been consistently impressive, and he has quickly become a fan favorite among the club’s supporters. His leadership and experience have been invaluable in guiding the team through a challenging start to the season, and his goal-scoring exploits have been a crucial factor in their early success.
Looking ahead, the club will be hoping that Benzema can continue to perform at a high level and help them achieve their ambitions. With the player’s contract running until the summer of 2026, the club has a significant investment in the Frenchman’s future, and they will be hoping that he can continue to be a driving force for the team in the years to come. In the meantime, the signing of Benzema has undoubtedly been a major coup for the Saudi club, and it underscores their determination to transform the league and elevate the profile of Saudi football on the global stage. With such a high-profile player leading the charge, the club will be hoping to inspire a new generation of fans and players, and to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with both domestically and internationally.
