Karim Benzema 'Approached' by European Giant After 'Refusing to Play' For Al Ittihad

Karim Benzema has been approached over signing for a European giant amid reports that he is refusing to play for Al Ittihad.

ESPN reported last week that Benzema, 38, had felt 'disrespected' by the terms of a contract extension offered to him by the Saudi Pro League club.

It is claimed that the former France international striker would 'almost play for free' as part of the terms of the extension, with his salary instead being made up of guaranteed image rights payments.

Benzema played no part in Al Ittihad's 2-2 draw with Al Fateh on Thursday evening, and is believed to be training on his own away from the rest of the first team squad.

He has scored eight goals in 14 Saudi Pro League appearances this season, and is one of the division's highest earners.

Benzema has scored eight goals in the Saudi Pro League this season (Image: Getty)

According to Capology, he currently earns around €1.1 million per week in Saudi Arabia, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

Now, Benzema has reportedly been offered a surprise route back to European football.

L'Equipe claim that, while he could make a move to fellow Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, Italian giants Juventus have also 'made inquiries in recent days' over signing the Frenchman.

While it is noted that there has not been 'any concrete progress so far', there is said to be a possibility that Benzema could make the move to Italy before the transfer deadline at 7pm on Monday.

Benzema could theoretically rip up his Al Ittihad contract and leave the club as a free agent, which would allow him to sign for Juve outside of the transfer window and still play this season.

Benzema is one of the highest-paid players in world football (Image: Getty)

Any move back to Europe could be fuelled by a desire to play in the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Benzema hasn't played for France since 2022 but, despite being retired from the national team, didn't entirely rule out an attempt to make a shock comeback in time for the summer.

He told L'Equipe in December: "I'm a football player. So, I play football. When they call me [the France national team], I come, I play.

"I have goals in my head. I love football and I love winning. I like trophies. That's what matters most to me. If I am called to the national team, I come to play.

"We are talking about a World Cup. Obviously, these are not things where you say, 'No, I don't want to'. Because it's a lie to say, 'No, I don't want to play in a World Cup'."