According to recent sources, Karim Benzema’s new striking partner could be someone with whom he has a history.
Benzema joined Al Ittihad from Real Madrid in the summer, one of many high-profile arrivals to the Saudi Pro League.
The 36-year-old has 15 goals in 24 appearances in all competitions, but champions Al Ittihad sit in seventh place, 25 points behind the leaders.
The Jeddah club is aiming to improve their situation by conducting business in the January transfer window, with Fabrizio Romano stating that they are in talks with Atletico Madrid’s Angel Correa.
A bid is likely soon, with manager Marcelo Gallardo and sporting director Ramon Planes interested. The agreement is reported to be difficult to close, but it could result in a very unpleasant reunion.
Benzema and Correa faced off against each other in several Madrid derbies over the years, but there was one contentious time.
The Frenchman went down under a challenge from Juanfran in a 0-0 tie at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium, and Correa proceeded to smash the ball at his head from point-blank range while he was lying on the turf.
Real players rushed in, resulting in a brief altercation involving both teams. Correa was allowed off the hook, however, because the referee did not show him a yellow card.
Also Read: Top 10 Highest Paid Footballers In 2023-24
There were complaints to the fourth official, which resulted in Atletico workers becoming enraged on the pitch. Correa was the subject of a summer offer from an undisclosed Saudi club, but Atletico declined to sanction a transfer.
According to Diario AS, Atletico Madrid is now willing to sell the player for £35 million. Correa, who is now in Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, would earn £52 million over the next three years.
