Softfootball understands that Karim Benzema has requested not to be included in Al-Ittihad’s matchday squad following a dramatic collapse in contract renewal talks, a situation that has added fresh tension within the Saudi Pro League giants, who are also edging closer to losing Diaby to Inter Milan.
The development was reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
He posted:
Karim Benzema personally asked to be out of Al Ittihad squad today following contract proposal. Benzema believes promises have been broken after Al Ittihad offered new deal by… playing for free outside of image rights, as L’Équipe reported.
The 38-year-old striker, whose current deal runs until June 2026, is said to be extremely unhappy with the terms of a new proposal put forward by the league’s director of football, Michael Emenalo.
Benzema and his representatives reportedly believe the offer is deeply disrespectful. When image rights are removed from the package, the proposal is described as being close to playing for free, a stance his camp reportedly found insulting given his status and output since arriving in Saudi Arabia.
What has angered Benzema even more is the timing. The former Real Madrid captain had been repeatedly assured since last summer that a renewal would come on similar, or even improved, terms. Instead, a formal offer only arrived five days before the transfer window shut, and it included a notable pay cut.
From Benzema’s perspective, that felt misleading, maybe even deliberate. This sudden breakdown comes just weeks after the Ballon d’Or winner publicly cleared the air about transfer rumours and stated that he is fully committed to the Saudi project.
His decision to withdraw from the squad is now being seen as a clear message to the club and league hierarchy that trust has been broken.
Unless something shifts quickly, Benzema could be edging toward a free transfer exit in June, with a return to Europe quietly back on the table again.
