Karim Benzema wants to leave Al-Ittihad “temporarily” because he feels under “pressure” there, a source close to the team told AFP on Tuesday.
The source said that although Al-Ittihad offered to transfer the French striker to another Saudi Pro League team, he turned it down.
The 36-year-old Benzema and the club reportedly had a tense discussion.
He stated that “he doesn’t feel he can give his best because of the current pressure at Ittihad.”.
When the AFP reached out to Benzema’s team, they declined to comment.
One of the most well-known additions to the Saudi League the previous season, Benzema joined the team 17 days after the midseason break.
According to English reports, Chelsea FC, one of the Premier League teams, is eager to loan the former Ballon d’Or winner during the current transfer window.