Manchester United are talking to Karim Benzema’s entourage regarding a potential move this month, but a deal is not simply a matter of finance.
That’s according to Marca, who cover what’s happening around the Frenchman and the stance from Saudi Arabia at this moment in time.
A report earlier today suggested that incoming CEO Omar Berrada was capable of attracting the likes of Benzema to Manchester United and is ‘very close’ to the directors of PIF, which could facilitate a move for the striker.
Marca pick up on that and explain Benzema and the leaders of Al-Ittihad Jeddah Club plan to meet throughout today to solve the situation.
The striker has asked to leave Saudi Arabia on a temporary basis, but the ownership of his current club have not granted that request.
They met on Tuesday for an initial discussion on the matter and those talks are continuing today but an agreement is not a simple matter.
While Benzema’s entourage are talking to various clubs, including Manchester United, and while they are willing to pay for the Frenchman, the situation is not that easy.
Indeed, the main obstacle is not money as the striker is willing to take a major cut on his wages and accepts that, the problem is his relationship with the club ‘was going to go beyond sports’.
Al-Ittihad had planned to make Benzema the focal points of their grand plans moving forwards, with different agreements in place of a social and even religious nature. Thus, the pride component plays a part.
At the moment the ownership of Al-Ittihad don’t understand Benzema’s desire to leave, given he was going to be their reference point. Thus, they are not facilitating a move to Manchester United or anywhere else.
That could change following the meetings today as the two parties look to meet in the middle, but for now Benzema isn’t departing Saudi Arabia any time soon.
