Karim Benzema’s immediate future has become a focal point, with his agent explicitly communicating interest from clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal.
The esteemed Real Madrid player, known for his prolific goal-scoring record, encountered a rift with now-former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, prompting him to delete his social media accounts amid criticism from his own supporters.
Allegedly unhappy, Benzema’s situation has put several Premier League teams in pursuit of a legitimate No. 9 on high alert during the January transfer window. Manchester United, grappling with goal-scoring difficulties this season, quickly emerged as the first team linked to the French striker.
Wolves, reportedly eyeing Armando Broja, prompted Chelsea to slap a £50 million price tag on the academy graduate, signaling their openness to offers. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s pursuit of Ivan Toney seems unlikely to materialize this month, despite earlier indications of a potential reversal.
Regrettably for interested parties, it seems Benzema is set to stay put. According to L’Equipe, the former Ballon d’Or winner is reported to “100% stay at Al-Ittihad.”
In a contrasting move, Jordan Henderson orchestrated his departure from the Saudi Pro League, completing a transfer to Ajax on Thursday. Announcing the move on Twitter, the former Liverpool captain expressed regret in leaving Al Ettifaq, citing it as a challenging decision for himself and his family.
Despite the difficulty, he extended gratitude to the supporters and the club for their unwavering support throughout his tenure, expressing love from the very beginning.
Henderson conveyed, “I’ll continue to watch and wish you luck” as he bids farewell to his former team, signifying the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new journey with Ajax.
