Manchester United-linked striker Karim Benzema has broken his silence after it was claimed that he had handed in his transfer request at current side Al Ittihad.
Benzema’s future at the Saudi Pro League side was plunged into doubt in recent weeks amid a rift with Al Ittihad manager Marcelo Gallardo.
The Ballon d’Or winner, who left Real Madrid last summer, was reportedly excluded from the Al Ittihad training camp after he returned back from holiday 17 days late.
It was believed that Gallardo was unhappy with Benzema and the Madrid legend was subsequently excluded from Al Ittihad’s trip to Dubai.
Benzema’s time in Saudi Arabia had been cast in uncertainty and United were among the clubs linked with the 36-year-old French striker.
United-linked Benzema on his future
United weren’t the only club linked with Benzema, who was previously a major transfer target for legendary former Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Premier League side Chelsea were also tipped to make a move for the ex-France striker if Benzema decided to quit Al Ittihad after he was frozen out of the squad.
However, Benzema has since broken his silence and denied that his future at Al Ittihad is in doubt or that he has handed in a transfer request.
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, he said: “It’s completely false!
“The French media don’t know what to invent any more. The bigger the better.”
Benzema to United highly unlikely
Erik ten Hag has been short of striking options at Old Trafford this season and has had to rely on summer signing Rasmus Hojlund as his main forward option.
Anthony Martial is out of contract in the summer and is likely to leave Old Trafford, with Ten Hag left with very little depth when it comes to picking a striker.
United fans were deeply divided over the idea of signing Benzema, despite speculation mounting over the former Madrid striker’s future.
Even United legend Rio Ferdinand had weighed in on the debate and admitted it would be difficult to say no to signing a player of Benzema’s calibre.
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