President of Al-Ittihad Louay Nazer announced that the Saudi club had fired Argentine head coach Marcelo Gallardo due to his conflict with French striker Karim Benzema.
Nazer said to Marca:
Gallardo made significant errors by requesting Benzema’s removal, which was unacceptable. He is a key part of Saudi Arabia's and the club's project. We have 2/3 options for a new manager.
Benzema has been representing the Jeddah Tigers since June 2023. In total, Benzema has played 29 matches for Al-Ittihad, scoring 13 goals and making eight assists.
The Frenchman's contract extends until the end of June 2026. The Transfermarkt portal estimates the striker's market value at ten million euros.
It was previously reported that Marcelo Gallardo had excluded Benzema from training with the team.
According to Relevo, the French Al-Ittihad forward has become disappointed with life in Saudi Arabia and wants to leave the team.