Al-Ittihad’s trophy signing Karim Benzema is in a difficult situation, and it’s uncertain whether he will return to play in the Saudi Pro League with his team. The PIF, which manages investments for major clubs, is against any move by Benzema to return to Europe.Every day, Benzema’s future continues to fuel the wildest rumours. Attempts to explain his situation with his club, Al-Ittihad, are no less eccentric. The reality is quite simple: the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner would like to play in a more competitive environment.Benzema denies he wants to quit Saudi ArabiaA source in Jeddah told L’Equipe that the experienced striker is craving to play alongside quality teammates.”Karim wants valuable signings; he wants players of his calibre. Apart from N’Golo (Kanté), he feels alone, so he demands improvements to the squad in all positions, like at Al-Hilal. And he also thinks that he could have been consulted on the choice of the coach Marcelo Gallardo, who replaced Nuno Espirito Santo.”This wish has been poorly understood by management, which believes it is doing everything to put its star in the best conditions. However, Karim’s aspirations have been much more understood by the highest echelons of the PIF, the public investment fund that owns the four largest clubs in the country. They are seeking a solution for all parties to regain some peace before the resumption of the league against Al-Tai on 7 February.##NAJAVA_MECA_7828759##The bosses of Saudi football do not want to hear about Benzema returning to Europe. Such a scenario would be seen as a step backwards for decision-makers who must face criticism from some big players who arrived last year.This does not seem to be a problem for the Frenchman, who has never asked to leave and whose entourage continues to assure that he will stay at Al-Ittihad this season. In the meantime, the PIF has taken the lead by holding discussions with the bosses of the other important clubs in the country to understand the possibilities and interests regarding the striker.
