Maybe because Karim Benzema has not been able to adapt well so his performance has not been fully optimal, players who do not have good chemistry between other players or their coaches find it difficult to develop into great players. Even though Karim Benzema is a good striker that Real Madrid has but when he Al Ittihad Karim Benzema is not very productive and in fact the club is experiencing a decline, I don't know what is wrong, but what Al Ittihad needs to improve is the chemistry between Karim Benzema and other players and also the coach so that this can make their performance optimal and able to work together well. to bring Al Ittihad back to success.
Even if Karim Benzema really wants to return to the European League, who will accommodate Karim Benzema to the club even though he is currently old and Karim Benzema's salary is very large, so the club that wants to accommodate him must think hard about his salary and buy Karim Benzema to Al Ittihad or just a loan option. It seems that many European players have difficulty adapting to the Saudi League, so they really want to leave the Saudi League even though they are relatively new to the Saudi League competition.
Karim Benzema is almost 36 years old and his last season at the Real Madrid full of injuries, so things were never been as the same level while he was in his best which create problems for him and Al Ittihad as well but still club was generous to give him huge contract and big amount as salary but sadly his wrong tactics been never help his team for having better results which are not eliminated from the AFC Champions League, and now they have no chances for the staying at the top two spots as well which is surely not idea end of them, but this creates huge mess-up for the player as well because now his reputation is also down.
But, as we know his contract is going to end 2026 so most chances we will have possible solution for both sides with most chances we will have transfer with no big club is looking for him but as rumours are coming Lyon could be happy but this all will be clear after the end of this season with Al Ittihad will allow for this possible transfer, or we will have some more drama in this all.
It is very difficult to see a striker of Benzema's age still playing and making a big contribution to the team. It must be admitted that performance has declined, we cannot deny that competition in the Saudi League is not as tight as European leagues.
Benzema is on a long-term contract with his club, it is possible that if the club wants to sell him of course they will not make a profit. However, it is a risk for clubs to contract players with old age but for a long duration.
I wouldn't say it's a detrimental contract. but maybe Benzema hasn't given his best for his club.