Karim Benzema reunion with Jose Mourinho?! Benfica boss open to signing ex-Real Madrid star with Al-Ittihad prepared to let him go for bargain fee

According to reporter Ekrem Konur, Mourinho wants his French international Benzema in Benfica and may try get him on board this season. The French forward, who highly praises the Portuguese manager for reshaping his career, can leave the Saudi side for free when his contract expires at the end of June next year.

While Al-Ittihad are reportedly willing to accept a transfer fee of around €7 million to let Benzema go before his deal ends, Benzema will have to take a massive pay cut if he is to join the Portuguese giants. The 37-year-old currently earns a reported £83 million ($108m) annually in the Middle East.

Mourinho managed Madrid for three seasons between 2010 and 2013, and Benzema was an integral part of his setup. Under the Portuguese's tutelage, the former France international managed to score 78 times in 150 appearances and also won a Copa del Rey and a La Liga trophy. During this tenure, the manager transformed Benzema from an inconsistent player to a ruthless centre forward. 

Mourinho was recently sacked by Fenerbahce after they lost out to Benfica in the Champions League qualifying stages. However, it led to him being appointed by Benfica on September 18, a club he coached briefly 25 years ago, thus completing a full cycle in his managerial career. The following day, the Lisbon side beat AFS 3-0 in the Primeira Liga.