According to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Olympique Lyonnais are keen to sign Karim Benzema (36). However, a deal could prove financially difficult.
Having come through Lyon’s academy, Benzema made a €35m move to Real Madrid in 2009, after having made 148 appearances for Les Gones, scoring 66 goals. The former France international left Los Blancos in the summer to join Saudi side Al-Ittihad, but not everything has gone to plan.
Benzema has often been the subject of intense criticism from fans and pundits in the Gulf State, and he has “infuriated” his club after returning back to training 17 days late, as per AFP. His late return has been attributed to a storm in Mauritius, which left him stranded. Benzema’s entourage has told L’Équipe that the player is happy at Al-Ittihad.
However, there is intense speculation that Benzema could make a swift departure this January. Whilst former club Real Madrid are closed to the idea of bringing him back to the Bernabeu, his formative club are more receptive to the idea. According to Hawkins, OL sources have explained that any deal would be financially difficult. Naturally, it is impossible for OL to match the player’s current salary at Al-Ittihad. If he is to return to his formative club, Benzema will likely have to make significant financial sacrifices.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle