Karim Benzema was one of the biggest names in world football to make the move from Europe to the Saudi Pro League this summer. In fact, the reigning Ballon d'Or was arguably the first superstar to take the plunge following Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr from Manchester United.
However, despite this mega-money move, life in Jeddah has not been going well for the Frenchman. While he has three goals under his belt in the King Salman Club Cup, the 35-year-old is yet to score in the Saudi Pro League.
And that is merely the tip of the iceberg. Karim's biggest issue stems from Nuno Espírito Santo, the current manager. According to Saudi-owned newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, the Portuguese boss did not want the Frenchman and thus the relationship between the two is tense.
The former Tottenham tactician informed his current club that Benzema does not tactically fit the team and, as a result, the manager was never in favor of this signing.
Furthermore, the Real Madrid icon wanted the captaincy but was denied the armband by Nuno. As a result, Benzema is unhappy at the club and feels he is being treated unfairly by the manager. Furthermore, the report claims that the striker has contacted the Saudi negotiator who sealed this deal to find a solution to the problem he has with the gaffer.
The report does not predict an exit but one cannot help but speculate. Could these tensions come at the cost of the player or manager? Could the striker, who has a few good years left in him, demand an exit as a result? Only time will tell.
