One would imagine that Newcastle United fans are content with their options up top at this point in time. Yoane Wissa has been brilliant to start off the campaign and looks like a man reborn. He also scored thrice at the World Cup for DR Congo.
On the other hand, the club spent significant money to sign Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille on the deadline day of the summer transfer window. Big things are expected from him.
They also have William Osula. While currently out nursing an injury, he scored nine goals last season and is expected to be even more involved this time around.
But this has not stopped Newcastle United from being linked with a move for Karim Benzema, who is currently a free agent. And it is his contract situation that might make it possible.
Benzema’s contract situation preventing return to Europe
According to RMC Sport, Lyon made contact with Benzema this summer via an intermediary. But their sporting director, Matthieu Louis-Jean, explained why a return was not possible due to his contract situation. He said:
“It’s true there was contact with an intermediary this summer regarding Karim. For me, it didn’t go any further than that.
“It was impossible given Karim’s contract situation. Karim is a phenomenal player. We didn’t even try to pursue it further because we knew how difficult the situation was.”
Of course, Benzema has been in the Saudi league since leaving Real Madrid. He was first at Al-Ittihad before joining Al-Hilal. But he has now left the club and is a free agent.
Benzema has an ambassadorial contract with PIF. To continue benefiting from it, he has two options. Either he can retire or find another club in the Saudi Pro League. Any other option renders the deal null and void, along with the tens of millions of euros per year he makes from it.
As a result, a return to Europe right now might be unrealistic and financially unfeasible at this point in time. But could there be a workaround?
Newcastle United could be a potential solution
As Sport Witness suggests, Newcastle United are owned by PIF. If Benzema wants to finish his career in European football, his contract creates a financial barrier. But the Magpies would at least offer a potential route for the parties to explore.
Of course, at 38 years of age, it is hard to expect Benzema to produce his best, especially in the Premier League, where he has never played.
Obviously, signing Benzema, even at this point in time, would grab the headlines. And perhaps he can still produce as a cover option, providing his knowledge to Newcastle United’s younger strikers.
For now though, it is merely a suggestion rather than something that is advanced or even being explored. Let us see how Benzema’s situation transpires over the coming days, weeks and potentially months.
