Karim Benzema homecoming? Lyon trying to secure sensational return for ex-Real Madrid striker - but Al-Ittihad exit would be complicated

According to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins, the Ligue 1 side are keen to see a return for the Frenchman to the club after he left them for a move to Real Madrid in 2009. He was a product of Lyon's youth system and played 148 games for Les Gones, tallying 66 goals. The former France international joined Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia during the summer after leaving Los Blancos, but things haven't gone as planned. In the Gulf State, Benzema has frequently drawn harsh criticism from supporters and commentators. He also angered the club by returning to training 17 days later than scheduled. It has been widely reported that he is keen to return to Europe sooner rather than later.

The report claims that notable Lyon sources have clarified that the financials of any purchase would be challenging. Lyon cannot afford to pay the player what he is earning at Al-Ittihad. Benzema is going to need to give up a chunk of his hefty salary if he wants to rejoin his former team. The striker was also linked with a return to Real Madrid but the club shot down the link swiftly.

Only one month after moving to Al-Ittihad, Benzema and Nuno Espirito Santo had a public falling out. Despite his successes with the team, the Portuguese head coach was ultimately fired due to the falling out.

The Saudi club is also reportedly eager to sell the French striker, and they will have until the end of the month to finalise a deal. If a contract is finalised in January, Benzema will most likely have already played his final game for the Saudi Pro League team, given the league will not restart until mid-February following the Asian Cup in Qatar.