Karim Benzema (36) is cutting a frustrated figure in Saudi Arabia. Despite intense talk of a departure in January, the player’s entourage denied rumours of unrest. The Frenchman remained, but the situation seemingly still remains tense.

Expectations of Benzema have been high, and the consensus among fans and pundits alike in the Gulf State is that since making the move from Real Madrid last summer, he has yet to meet them.

When asked by Action with Walid why they were not seeing the same player that was at Real Madrid, the player laughed “It’s because it’s not the same game, it’s not the same players, I need to be helped. I need help on the pitch. I can’t win the game alone. I need a lot of things.”

In sub-optimal conditions, Benzema is yet to show his best form. Now, in a mysterious and cryptic social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Benzema has alluded to a “comeback”.

“Don’t forget, there is always a comeback,” wrote the former Real Madrid and Olympique Lyonnais striker. What exactly constitutes a comeback? A return to form at Al-Ittihad? Or is it a return to European football next season?

GFFN | Luke Entwistle