Chukwu Ikechukwu

updated at August 24, 2023 at 3:59 PM

• Al-Ittihad have denied claims of Karim Benzema being unhappy at the club
• Benzema's relationship with Al-Ittihad manager Nuno Espirito Santo is very tense
• The French forward joined Al-Ittihad this summer after leaving Spanish giants Real Madrid

Al-Ittihad have debunked rumours that Karim Benzema is set to leave the Saudi Pro League club just months after signing from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The Real Madrid legend is said to be at odds with manager Nuno Espirito Santo and has demanded his agent find him a move away from the Saudi Pro League club.

According to Tribal Football, Al-Ittihad have now denied the reports and are insisting Benzema is happy after posting a short clip of the forward smiling in one of the club’s facilities.

Nuno has made it clear to the Al-Ittihad hierarchy that Benzema does not fit his style of play and did not sanction the club’s move to sign the former Real Madrid captain.

Mane opens up on how his ex Liverpool teammates tried to prevent his move to Ronaldo's Al Nassr

Football

Benzema became the second-biggest signing for the Saudi Pro League behind Cristiano Ronaldo after he joined Al-Ittihad as a free agent, earning a whopping salary of £172 million per year.

Benzema and Nuno’s rift explained

Meanwhile, the crisis in the Al-Ittihad dressing room is heating up between Karim Benzema and manager Nuno Espirito Santo after the French forward was denied the club’s captaincy, MARCA reports.

Benzema had asked for the captaincy but 'clashed' with the decision of the Portuguese manager, who decided to give the armband to Romarinho and then to Ahmed Sharahili

Benzema's relationship with Nuno is now very tense after the coach made it clear that the former Real Madrid striker does not fit his style of play, sparking a fuss between Al-Ittihad men.

Nuno wants Karim Benzema sacked

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Nuno Espirito Santo has reportedly communicated to the Al-Ittihad board that the tactical approach he employs does not align well with the playing characteristics of Karim Benzema.

Comparing Neymar's salary to Cristiano Ronaldo's and Karim Benzema's in Saudi Arabia

Football

Benzema announced his departure from Real Madrid in June, ending a 14-year tenure marked by four La Liga triumphs and an impressive five UEFA Champions League victories.

Benzema has made two appearances for Al-Ittihad this season and although he hasn't found the net himself, he did contribute an assist during a 3-0 triumph against Al-Raed.