Former Manchester United right-back Paul Parker believes signing Karim Benzema would be a step backwards.
It’s a wild statement because Karim Benzema won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 and it’s been less than a year since he was playing regularly for Real Madrid.
As a short-term loan option, up until the end of the season, I don’t think there is a better option in the market.
Speaking to SpilXperten, Parker explained why signing Benzema would be a step backwards for United.
“Karim Benzema would be yet another step backward. He would just be another PR signing, and Manchester United definitely doesn’t need that.
“He would be the completely wrong player to bring in. Completely wrong. There is a reason he left Real Madrid, which is probably primarily about the money, but also because he likely wasn’t guaranteed a starting position.”
That said, Parker raises a good point that if Madrid were willing to let him go to Saudi Arabia six months ago, then United probably should avoid signing him now.
Raphael Varane and Casemiro are two players that arrived from Madrid and both of them will need to be replaced in the summer. United should be aiming for younger strikers than Benzema, but I also believe Rasmus Hojlund would benefit from having a more experienced centre-forward at the club.
That doesn’t include Anthony Martial.
When asked about Hojlund, Parker stressed that the Danish striker is the future, adding: “It is likely that some fans would take him, but it would be a massive mistake. Højlund is the future, and it would be a big mistake to bring in Benzema, who is not nearly as hungry as Højlund.
“I cannot describe his career in words. There are no words big or good enough to describe what he has achieved, but he is finished at the top level.
“But It would just be making the same mistake as before when they brought in Ibrahimovic, Cavani, and Ronaldo. It would be yet another step backward.”
Karim Benzema faces uncertain future at Al-Ittihad
The Reds emerged as a possible destination for the French striker as they look to address their goalscoring problems. However, the club have decided that they will not pursuit the ex-Real Madrid star because of his age and his wage demands.
Benzema is reportedly banished from Al-Ittihad’s training camp in Dubai because of his refusal to show up to club events. Benzema is also said to have missed training sessions at the end of last year and could be on his way out of the club less than a year after joining them in a free transfer.
The Frenchman has scored nine times in 15 Saudi Pro League appearances for the reigning champions. They are currently seventh in the table after 18 matches and 25 points behind leaders Al-Hilal.
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