Benzema tipped to extend at Al-Ittihad as June 2026 contract nears

Al-Ittihad sporting director Ramon Planes says Karim Benzema wants to extend his stay in Saudi Arabia, Goal reports. The 38-year-old's contract is set to expire in June 2026. Planes, speaking to Spanish newspaper ABC, said: "He wants to stay, he's keen to continue in Saudi Arabia and with Al-Ittihad.

He's seen that there's a serious project there with good players." That view conflicts with reporting in December from French outlet Foot Mercato that Benzema had not agreed a new deal, while other outlets suggested he had already agreed new terms. Benzema himself has been non-committal, saying in December: "I'm really focused on what I'm doing, whether it's for these last six months or for after if I extend my contract.

Some people are better placed to talk about all that." He added: "Right now, I have six months left on my contract. So, I'm completely focused on football." On the pitch Benzema has delivered, scoring a 22-minute hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Al-Kholood and registering 15 goals in 17 appearances this term, with suggestions he could return to the France squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Key Topics

Sports, Karim Benzema, Al-ittihad, Ramon Planes, Saudi Arabia, Al-kholood