Karim Benzema’s successor is taking shape as Al Ittihad are reportedly pursuing a surprise striker who is also being pursued by Juventus

After a heavily criticized debut in the Saudi Pro League, Karim Benzema managed to rediscover his best form at Al Ittihad, scoring 21 goals in 29 games last season. However, his performances have declined again in the current campaign his future at the club is far from clear. Anticipating a possible departure, the club is already focusing on a surprising striker – also followed by Juventus – as a possible successor to the French star in the coming hours.

According to L’Équipe, Al Ittihad wants to keep Karim Benzema at the club until at least 2027. they submitted an unusual extension offer with no base salary, but granted him 100% of his image rights. As a result, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner was extremely dissatisfied and began pushing for an immediate exit. With this in mind, the Frenchman is now even aiming for a surprising destination.

With Benzema’s potential departure looming, Al Ittihad have decided to act quickly in the transfer market and aim to secure the signing of Youssef En-Nesyrireports Fabrizio Romano. The Moroccan striker currently plays for Fenerbahçe, where he has scored eight goals in 26 games. However, finalizing the deal won’t be easy Juventus is also interested and proposes a move with option to buy.

Despite fierce competition to secure his signature, En-Nesyri appears to have a preferred path for his future. According to Fabrizio Romano, Fenerbahçe have expressed interest in Al Ittihad’s N’Golo Kanté and both clubs are now involved in double negotiations that seems close to a solution. As a result, the Moroccan would become head coach Sérgio Conceição’s starting striker, while the Frenchman would emerge as one of coach Domenico Tedesco’s main stars.

Youssef En-Nesyri’s situation at Fenerbahçe raises major doubts

Youssef En-Nesyri emerged as one of the most in-form strikers in Europe during his time at Sevilla. With an impressive total of 73 goals in 196 appearances, the Moroccan striker moved to Fenerbahçe, where he made an immediate impact, scoring 30 goals in 50 games during his first season. However, the 28-year-old star is currently having a somewhat disappointing campaignraising doubts about his potential impact at Al Ittihad.

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Karim Benzema’s Saudi Pro League adventure hits a snag: Al-Ittihad boss Sergio Conceicao breaks silence as controversial extension offer emerges

Unlike last season, the Moroccan player has struggled to shine in the Turkish team, scoring just eight goals in 26 games. Moreover, Youssef En-Nesyri is no longer the undisputed starter for coach Domenico Tedesco. Anderson Talisca has claimed the spot as starting strikerexcelling with 17 goals in 31 games. As a result, En-Nesyri’s move to Al Ittihad raises several doubts as he is currently the third choice for the Turkish squad.