Benzema could have returned to Lyon for free: sensational reason behind failed transfer revealed
Lyon’s hierarchy considered the possibility of a sensational return for Karim Benzema this summer. According to L’Équipe, the 38-year-old 2022 Ballon d’Or winner was ready to spend a season at his boyhood club without a salary — purely out of love for Lyon and his city.
Benzema himself was very enthusiastic about the idea. However, a return proved impossible because of his commitments to the Saudi league. Despite his recent departure from Al-Hilal, the French forward remains an ambassador for the Saudi Arabian league until 2030 and intends to honour that contract. This prevents him from signing an agreement with a club in another country.
Benzema became a free agent around a week ago after winning the league title and two cups with Al-Hilal, as well as being named the league’s MVP. The parties mutually agreed to terminate the final year of his contract.
The forward nevertheless remains closely connected to Lyon, where he began his professional career. Last December, Benzema admitted that he could return, but noted that sometimes it is better to leave the past unchanged.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
