Al-Ittihad Prediction and Prop Bets: Karim Benzema is ready to unleash goals in the Saudi league

Karim Benzema has finally found a new challenge in Saudi Arabia! The current Ballon d’Or holder from Real Madrid finally decided to leave European football to join Al-Ittihad, the current Saudi Champions and one of the most successful clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Benzema's move to Saudi Arabia is a curious one, but it is also a sign of the growing financial power of the Saudi Arabian clubs. Al-Ittihad is reportedly paying Benzema a salary of almost €200m million per season, which would make him one of the highest-paid players in the world. He reunites with his ex-Real Madrid teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo, who had secured a move from Manchester United to Al Nassr after the previous year's World Cup, is now joined by his former teammate.

What is the Current Al-Ittihad?

Al-Ittihad is a Saudi Arabian club that was founded in 1976. They are one of the most successful clubs in the country, having won the Saudi Pro League 9 times -with the most recent which was the 22/23 season- the King's Cup 9 times, and the AFC Champions League twice. Despite being the current champions of the Saudi Pro League, Al-Ittihad aims to make a mark in the AFC Champions League, a title they haven't won since 2004. With their recent acquisitions, the team is determined to compete fiercely and challenge for the prestigious AFC Champions League trophy.

Nuno Espirito Santo, the present head coach of Al-Ittihad, assumed his role in 2022. A seasoned coach, Nuno has previously managed prominent clubs like Wolverhampton, Tottenham, and Porto. One of his notable strengths is his reputation for nurturing and developing players, making him a valuable asset for Al-Ittihad's prospects. Al-Ittihad is presently undergoing a significant transformation in its squad. Over the past few months, the club has made notable signings of acclaimed European players, such as the current Ballon d’Or holder from Real Madrid Karim Benzema, the talented N'Golo Kanté, and the promising Jota. These high-profile acquisitions are expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the team and raise the club's competitive potential in both domestic and international competitions.

Who is Karim Benzema?

Karim Benzema is a highly accomplished French professional footballer, renowned for his striking prowess. He currently serves as a striker for the Saudi Professional League club Al-Ittihad, and he recently retired from the France national team. Throughout his illustrious career, Benzema has attained unparalleled success, amassing an impressive array of trophies that includes four La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey titles, four French championships, and an astounding five UEFA Champions League titles, among various other accolades. His remarkable achievements on both domestic and international stages have solidified his status as one of the most accomplished footballers in the history of the sport.

Benzema's goal-scoring prowess is nothing short of prolific, having netted an impressive tally of over 457 goals for both club and country. Not only a lethal striker, but he also boasts more than 100 assists to his name, showcasing his creative playmaking abilities. His versatility allows him to excel in various positions on the field, and his intelligence, relentless work ethic, and exceptional leadership skills have been instrumental in his successful tenure with Real Madrid. The crowning moment of his career came in 2022 when he was awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the sport. Despite being 35 years old, Benzema continues to defy age, remaining a formidable force in the game. He is not only a true legend of football but also a model professional, consistently seeking improvement and setting an example for others. With his enduring abilities, he remains a significant asset to both his club and his country, leaving an indelible mark on the world of football.

Expert Betting Tips

Although Benzema has moved to a new league, we anticipate that he may encounter some initial challenges as he adapts to the Saudi League. However, considering his revered status as a striker and his remarkable achievements in Europe, we do not doubt that his immense strength and ability will soon shine through at Al-Ittihad.

While the Saudi League poses its challenges, it is unlikely to deter the current Ballon d'Or holder, who has already showcased his remarkable goal-scoring prowess with over 350 goals during his time in Europe. In his last season with Real Madrid, he impressively scored 31 goals, and we expect him to surpass this tally in the Saudi League. The odds for Benzema to score over 20.5 goals is pegged at 1.90 odds and it is a good bet as we expect Benzema to score even more.

Last season, Al-Ittihad won the Saudi Pro League, finishing with a comfortable 5-point lead over their closest rivals, Al-Nassr. With the notable additions of renowned players such as Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, and the promising talent, Jota, there's a strong possibility that they might achieve back-to-back Saudi Pro league championships. The odds for Al-Ittihad to win the Saudi Pro League is pegged at 3.00, making it an appealing and promising bet worth considering.

We offer to consider the following options:

• Karim Benzema TO 20.5 goals
• Al-Ittihad to win the league
• Karim Benzema to clear top Saudi Pro League goalscorer - Yes