Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad Contract Dispute Puts Serie A Sides On Red Alert

Karim Benzema could be on his way out of Al-Ittihad with a number of Serie A clubs keen on his services. 

The Real Madrid legend is seriously considering his options after the Saudi Pro League side’s derisory contract offer to extend his stay in the Middle East.

Benzema was so upset that he asked to sit out of Al-Amid’s 2-2 draw against Al Fateh on January 29. Reports from L’Equipe suggest he has been offered a salary of zero Euros.

Instead, he will earn 100% of his image rights. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner believes the proposal is ‘ridiculous‘ and a return to Europe is on the cards.

Italy’s elite clubs are all monitoring Benzema’s situation with great intent. Even though the France legend is 38, many believe he can still do a job in Serie A.

Karim Benzema refused to play for Al-Ittihad just hours before kick-off after receiving what he felt was a 'ridiculous' contract renewal offer, via L'EQUIPE ⛔️🇫🇷🇸🇦

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner viewed the proposal as an insult to his career, as it reportedly included zero euros… pic.twitter.com/G15yK8JNNe

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) January 29, 2026

Karim Benzema On His Way To Serie A?

After AC Milan signed Luka Modric in July, the Croatian superstar has gone on to prove that age is purely just a number. Especially as he has played a key role in the Rossoneri’s title charge.

The 40-year-old spent 11 seasons playing alongside Karim Benzema for Real Madrid. So if there’s anyone who could influence the French forward to consider Italian soccer, it’s certainly his former teammate.

Not only has Modric resisted the riches of Saudi Arabia and decided his twilight years were best spent in Europe, Belgian-baller Kevin De Bruyne followed suit.

Although De Bruyne is currently injured, he made positive strides in the early part of his Napoli career. So much so that the Serie A champions have really felt his absence.

The two legendary stars provide the perfect proof that Benzema could certainly continue to flourish on the highest stage. And he’ll have an army of suitors, too.

Naturally, the likes of AC, Inter Milan, Juventus, Roma and Gli Azzurri would all be the front-runners to land Benzema’s signature. And of course, all of them would pay the forward a basic salary!

Are Real Madrid An Option?

Understandably, reports have already emerged linking Karim Benzema with an emotional return to Real Madrid. Something of which Los Blancos supporters would surely like to come to fruition.

According to Fichajes, Benzema’s agent has already reached out to the LaLiga giants about re-joining on a short-term deal. The veteran star previously admitted he would consider a return if president Florentino Perez called.

Benzema still has a very strong relationship with Real but his contract issues in Saudi Arabia need to be addressed before a final decision can be made.

His current deal expires in June but he may be able to move on before that. Again, depending on what happens with Al-Ittihad and head coach Sergio Conceicao.

The former AC Milan boss recently confessed he has the utmost respect for Benzema and loves coaching him. He will fight to keep Benzema at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium but ultimately, the damage may already be done.