Overview

• José Mourinho told reporters he had only just heard the rumor and insisted a Benzema reunion at Benfica is not being pursued.
• Online speculation had linked the Al Ittihad forward with a January switch to work again with his former Real Madrid manager.
• Benzema remains an Al Ittihad player and, since joining in 2023, has recorded 44 goals in 68 appearances according to Republic World.
• The Frenchman recently returned to training after a muscle issue and was expected to be available for an upcoming match against Al-Nassr.
• Mourinho and Benzema worked together at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, a past connection that has fueled the latest rumors.