Why Karim Benzema is refusing to play for Al-Ittihad as contract talks break down

January 30, 2026 Oliver Obel

Karim Benzema’s future at Al-Ittihad is increasingly uncertain as a contract dispute with the Saudi club spills into public view, raising fresh questions about how elite European stars are being retained in the Saudi Pro League.

The disagreement centers on a proposed extension that Benzema believes falls short of assurances made to him when he joined the club in 2023, following a 14-year career at Real Madrid. His current contract is set to expire this summer, and negotiations now appear to be at an impasse.

Benzema’s frustration became visible this week when he declined to be part of Al-Ittihad’s matchday squad for a league fixture against Al Fateh, which ended in a 2–2 draw. Al-Ittihad currently sit sixth in the table after 18 matches, a position that has added pressure to an already strained season.

Disputed promises

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported that Benzema was disappointed by the structure of Al-Ittihad’s latest offer, echoing earlier reporting from French outlet L’Equipe. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said the proposal did not reflect what the player believed had been promised last summer regarding his future.

“Karim Benzema received a new contract proposal from Al Ittihad that is not what he expected,” Romano said. “Benzema feels the promises coming from the club since last summer were different about a new contract.”

Romano added that the disagreement was significant enough for Benzema to inform club officials he would not make himself available for the matchday, a rare move for a player of his profile.

Unusual contract terms

According to Romano, the proposed extension would have kept Benzema at the club beyond the end of his current deal but under an unconventional financial arrangement. The offer involved continuing to play without a traditional salary, instead being compensated through image rights payments.

“The contract proposal he received was to continue at the club and sign a new deal beyond June 2026, when his contract expires,” Romano explained. “But, basically, playing for free without any extra money, but just paid his image rights immediately.”

Romano said Benzema has made clear he will not accept those terms.

Strong performances, uncertain future

On the pitch, Benzema’s impact has remained evident. He recorded 30 goal contributions during Al-Ittihad’s title-winning campaign last season and has already scored 16 times in all competitions this term, underlining his continued value despite being 38.

ESPN reported that Benzema feels “disrespected” by the proposal and is currently training away from the main squad while considering his options. The network also noted that he is the third-highest-paid footballer in the world, earning more annually than all but Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Unless a compromise is reached, Benzema could enter the summer as one of the most prominent free agents in global football a development that would test both Al-Ittihad’s negotiating strategy and the Saudi Pro League’s ability to manage high-profile contracts beyond the initial recruitment phase.

Sources: Reuters, ESPN, L’Equipe, Transfermarkt