Manchester United will not be making a move for France star Karim Benzema during the January transfer window. That’s according to reports from The Mirror amid speculation over the former Real Madrid striker.
Benzema, 36, won the lot during a glittering 14-year spell at the Santiago Bernabeu and headed to Saudi Arabia on a free transfer last summer. His wages at Al-Ittihad are said to be worth around £86million-per-year.
United icon Cristiano Ronaldo was the catalyst for a high-profile exodus to the Gulf state and several huge names, including Benzema, followed him to the Saudi Pro League last summer. United, meanwhile, bided their time to sign a replacement for Ronaldo – with Rasmus Hojlund being that man.
Hojlund, 20, cost the club £72million last summer. However, while he scored against Tottenham in the club’s latest Premier League match, the Dane remains a work-in-progress at Old Trafford.
United expect a quiet January window, certainly when it comes to any incomings, despite investment from INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe being announced. There is lingering caution over FFP and their prime focus is on outgoings with Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho among those shipped out.
According to The Mirror report, United have not approached Benzema’s representatives. Despite him only heading to Saudi Arabia last summer, Benzema faces an uncertain future – as he did not report for pre-season.
Elsewhere, reports from Sky Germany state Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt – who played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax previously – is not completely satisfied with his situation at the Allianz Arena and could move on next summer. Bayern signed De Ligt from Juventus last summer.
However, the Dutchman has slipped down the pecking order this season. Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano are the preferred centre-back pairing for Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel right now – while the Bundesliga champions have also shown an interest in other players in De Ligt’s position.
United were linked with him previously on account of Ten Hag’s relationship with him. De Ligt has played just 365 minutes so far this campaign
