Karim Benzema has reportedly felt disrespected by the contract extension proposal from Al Ittihad, as per sources cited by ESPN.
The 38-year-old French striker opted to remove himself from the first team on Thursday and is now training independently.
In his absence, Al Ittihad played to a 2-2 draw against Al Fateh during their match in the Saudi Pro League.
With Benzema sidelined, Saleh Al-Shehri stepped in and scored the opening goal in the 25th minute for Al Ittihad, who are currently positioned sixth in the league standings.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, Benzema, is set to be a free agent next summer.
The current offer from Saudi Pro League sources suggests that his new deal with one of the PIF-owned clubs would result in a significant pay cut, essentially meaning he would play for minimal wages.
The former captain of Real Madrid, where he clinched 25 trophies—including four LaLiga, three Copa del Rey, and five Champions League titles—has been performing admirably this season, scoring eight goals in 14 league matches.
Sources indicate he is weighing various options ahead of his contract expiration.
Meanwhile, French winger Moussa Diaby is rumored to be departing the club.
Additionally, reports suggest that France midfielder N’Golo Kanté is “very close” to reaching terms with Fenerbahçe.
Kanté’s contract is set to expire this summer after spending three seasons in the Saudi Pro League.
Reports indicate that discussions between Al Ittihad and Fenerbahçe regarding a transfer fee are ongoing, as the Saudi club aims to avoid losing Kanté on a free transfer.