The club that is already negotiating to sign Karim Benzema

The French veteran is not sure about renewing with Al-Ittihad and could return to the major European leagues next summer

Héctor Andreu | 21 Nov 2025 | 15.34
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Olympique Lyon is already thinking about Benzema / Grada3.
Olympique Lyon is already thinking about Benzema / Grada3.

La Liga
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Getafe Elche
28/11/25 21:00:00
2.25 2.88 3.80

The name of Karim Benzema emerges once again in the offices of Olympique de Lyon, in what could become an emotional and strategic move for the club. The veteran French forward is in the final stretch of his contract with Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, a scenario that opens the door to a possible return to European football.

Why Lyon's interest and what Benzema offers?

For weeks now, rumors have been growing in France about Olympique de Lyon's intention to bring back one of their favorite sons: Benzema. The forward, who debuted and developed in the club's academy, has built an elite career at Real Madrid before moving to Saudi Arabia. As reported by Foot Mercato, Lyon sees the perfect combination: a sentimental return + a media and sporting reinforcement.

On his side, Benzema has made it clear that he has not yet made a firm decision about his future. In recent statements, he mentioned that he will continue to evaluate his time in Saudi Arabia and that any step he takes will have to align with his personal and professional life.

Factors driving the operation

The appeal of reuniting Benzema with his hometown club in the Ligue 1 is manifold. On one hand, his contract with Al-Ittihad is about to expire, giving him flexibility to negotiate a move. In France, there are talks that Lyon would be willing to offer a contract for one and a half seasons, with an option for another year. This is seen as a window of opportunity. Additionally, Benzema's arrival would be a significant boost to revitalize the club, which is undergoing a phase of sporting restructuring.

There are also murmurs from the player's camp that Europe is not ruled out: Benzema has admitted to receiving inquiries from teams in the Old Continent.

Doubts and uncertainties surrounding the return

Although the scenario seems ideal for Lyon, there are several areas of uncertainty that could complicate Benzema's return. Firstly, the salary he receives in Saudi Arabia would be very challenging to match. Secondly, his age of 37 and the physical demands of returning to a competitive league like the Ligue 1 raise questions about performance and continuity. Thirdly, Benzema does not rule out other options such as a return to Real Madrid or another European destination, provided the ideal conditions are met.

Benzema is close to returning to Lyon

What would Lyon gain and what would Benzema gain?

For Olympique de Lyon, signing Benzema would bring leadership, experience, and an immediate media impact. The club, aiming to return to high levels in the Ligue 1, would see his return as a clear commitment to ambition. For Benzema, coming back to the place where he first blossomed as a footballer would be a symbolic closure of a cycle: playing in the Ligue 1, at home, with recognition and without the pressure of maintaining a top-level career in another major league.

Timeline, next steps, and what to watch for

The timing is on their side. With Benzema's contract at Al-Ittihad nearing its end, the next transfer market could be decisive. Lyon, on the other hand, is already in contact with intermediaries and getting ready to present a formal proposal. Now it remains only for the player to decide where his priority lies: the Ligue 1 with his hometown club, another European adventure, or continuing in Saudi Arabia.

The ball is in Karim Benzema's court, as he must weigh emotions, ambition, and professional comfort. And if all goes as planned, in the coming year, we might witness his triumphant return to Olympique de Lyon, closing one chapter and opening another in his illustrious career.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El club que ya negocia para fichar a Karim Benzema