New Benfica boss Jose Mourinho is preparing a cheeky transfer offer at the start of 2026.
Mourinho will have a budget to spend in the January transfer window in Lisbon and he's reportedly eyeing one of his old Real Madrid stars as an option.
As per Marca, Mourinho has picked up the phone and reached out to Al Ittihad striker Karim Benzema over a possible switch back to Europe, and a reunion in the Portuguese capital.
Benzema brought down the curtain on his incredible Los Blancos career in June 2023 after scoring 354 goals in 658 appearances across 14 seasons in Madrid.
That figure is the highest number of appearances made and goals scored by a non-Spanish player alongside four La Liga titles and five UEFA Champions League crowns.
Benzema is under contact in Riyadh until June 2026, and the 37-year-old is undecided over an extension to remain in the Saudi Pro League, with the temptation of playing UCL football again before retirement.
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However, Al Ittihad are keen to retain him until 2027 and Benzema is open to at least considering their offer, and the Saudi giants will request a fee to let him leave early.
Benzema has been vital for Al Ittihad following his arrival in the Middle East, with 44 goals in 69 games, alongside winning the Saudi Pro League and King's Cup double last season with Laurent Blanc's team.
Mourinho will not push the issue, but if he can tempt Benzema, the Portuguese coach will ask the Benfica hierarchy to fund a deal.
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