Al-Ittihad manager Nuno Espirito Santo has told the club that Karim Benzema does not fit into his plans, according to reports.
Benzema joined the Saudi Pro League champions earlier this summer, signing a three-year deal after calling time on his 14-year career at Real Madrid.
However, according to Saudi newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat via GOAL, there are tensions between the Frenchman and Santo.
The report claims Santo has told the Al-Ittihad board that Benzema does not fit his style of play and he did not request the transfer.
The 35-year-old striker is also said to have asked for the the captaincy, but the Portuguese boss turned it down.
Al-Ittihad manager Nuno Espirito Santo has told the club that Benzema doesn’t suit his style
The Portuguese boss is also said to have turned down benzema’s request to become captain
Benzema is said to be ‘not comfortable’ working in the current environment at Al-Ittihad which could lead to a shock exit after just two months with team.
The former Real Madrid star has been one of four players to join the club from European teams this summer alongside N’Golo Kante, Fabinho and Jota.
Al-Ittihad have started the domestic season with back-to-back wins over Al-Raed and Al-Ta’ee and sit top of the table.
Benzema didn’t score in both games but managed to get an assist against the former.
Santos’ side will return to action against Al-Riyadh on Thursday before taking on Al-Wehda on Monday evening.
