Manchester United are set to create an omnipotent upset by signing former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, in a move that would mock Timo Werner’s absence.
The Red Devils will add an experienced leader to their forward line this month. Erik ten Hag will be hoping to ease the burden on Rasmus Hojlund, who has so far struggled to take charge of the Premier League.
The Denmark international cost a hefty £64m when signed from Atalanta and after half a season in England, has scored just a single league goal.
Anthony Martial continues to disappoint as the main replacement. Martial is under contract at the end of the season and United will be paid this month if a replacement is signed.
However, with the club’s budget frustrating, less expensive loan options and opportunities are being explored.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester United have spoken to Timo Werner’s representatives. Sky Sports later reported that United had been approached with the possibility of signing the striker from RB Leipzig and Germany.
However, it has since emerged that United have not reacted according to their interests, as they are still unclear on what type of player they need to sign, and that even if the winter window is already a week long.
Tottenham did not hesitate and temporarily agreed to a six-month loan deal that included an option to buy. Werner could make his Spurs debut against Manchester United when the two meet on Sunday.
With Werner on the verge of leaving the table, United are turning their attention to choice options.
According to former Red Devils leader Louis Saha, they look like nothing more than French superstar Karim Benzema.
The 36-year-old won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 and has lately been working in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad.
However, the bloom is about to bloom for many of the big names who made a religious leap by moving to the Middle East last summer.
Indeed, ex-Liverpool pair Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino are both angling for a quickfire return to Europe. Our sister site, Planet Football, recently revealed all is not well with Benzema at Al-Ittihad either.
Despite being one of four Saudi clubs subsidized through the Public Investment Fund, Al-Ittihad currently occupies a disappointing seventh position in the SPL.
Planet Football reported that the club’s fans have welcomed Benzema, who recently earned the nickname “Ben-Hazima,” which translates to “the son of defeat” in Arabic.
In quotes published by the Evening Standard, Saha advised United to end Benzema’s nightmare in Saudi Arabia and give him one last chance in the big moment in Europe.
“He [Benzema] will shake up the United frontline and that’s what they need,” said Saha.
“He’s definitely going to score goals and he’s going to string the game together a lot better. “
But while Saha claimed that Benzema would have a momentous effect on Hojlund’s career by acting as a mentor, the expert also claimed that a coup d’état in January would be incredibly difficult to pull off.
But Karim is still a very professional guy, he’s the kind of striker that Hojlund will be informed about, but that’s just a fantasy. “
Benzema is the third winner in the SPL, pocketing more than £1. 65 million per week.
It would take the mother of all pay cuts before a move to United, either on loan or as a free agent if his contract expires, can be considered viable, even from a distance.
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