Karim Benzema reportedly walked out of Al-Ittihad’s training session on Monday.
According to Marca, head coach Marcelo Gallardo told their superstar to train alone.
However, the French forward did not follow his orders and stormed off at the facility instead.
The incident only amplified the strained relationship between Benzema and the Saudi club.
The 36-year-old returned to training from the mid-season break 17 days late.
The former Real Madrid star was linked to Premiere League sides, including Manchester United and Chelsea during the January transfer window.
A rumored reunion with Lyon in Ligue 1 also resurfaced, but the deal did not materialize.
Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports said on X that the striker is in talks with Al-Ittihad since he has yet to feel settled since arriving in Saudi last summer.
“Both Ittihad and wider Saudi dealmakers want him to do another season. There was never a green light (or formal request from Benzema) to leave.”
“Lyon had explored bringing Benzema back but it was impossible without a massive wage cut. Ittihad sources also insist any bid would have been rejected had it arrived. No concrete EPL offers made to the Saudi champions.”
So far, Benzema has scored 12 goals in 20 appearances this season.
