Karim Benzema has reportedly fallen out with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo just weeks after completing a move to Al-Ittihad.
Benzema had joined Al-Ittihad on a three-year deal from Real Madrid on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 35-year-old had a flying start in black and yellow colours after scoring three goals in the Arab Club Champions Cup and leading his side to the final.
However, he failed to find the back of the net in Al-Ittihad’s opening games in the Saudi Pro League against Al-Raed and Al-Tai.
The Frenchman’s time in Jeddah has also reportedly not gone to plan after clashing with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
According to a report by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, the relationship between the pair became tense recently after Benzema complained about the unprofessional treatment he is getting from Santo behind the scenes.
The Portuguese reportedly made it clear to Al-Ittihad officials that Benzema did not fit his style of play and he never asked the board to sign him.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner is also said to have demanded the captaincy upon his arrival which was vetoed by Santo as he preferred to hand the armband to Brazilian forward Romarinho or towering defender Ahmed Al-Sharahili.
The report also added that a meeting between Benzema and Al-Ittihad representatives will take place to find a solution for all parties involved.
Benzema is a pillar of Al-Ittihad’s long-term project as his arrival was followed by the signings of Fabinho, N’Golo Kante, and Jota from Celtic.