Karim Benzema has opted against a last-minute move to the Premier League and will continue his stint in Saudi Arabia.

The former Real Madrid standout was reportedly contemplating leaving Al-Ittihad, merely months after securing a lucrative three-year contract. His absence from team obligations following an unaᴜthorizеd holiday during the Saudi Pro League mid-season break had sparked speculations.

While Manchester United dismissed any interest in the French striker, Arsenal and Chelsea remained potential suitors in case Benzema decided to part ways with Saudi Arabia. His former club, Lyon, was also rumored to express interest, offering a potential lifeline. However, his recent decision suggests that a move away is now highly improbable.

According to The Athletic, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner will stay with Al-Ittihad as the transfer deadline approaches this Thursday. The reigning Saudi champions will resume their domestic season against Al-Tai next weekend, where Benzema might potentially be in action.

Benzema had previously refuted reports of leaving his current club in an interview with L’Equipe last week, stating, “It’s completely false! The French media doesn’t know what to invent anymore. The bigger, the better.”

At 36, Benzema joined Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid in the summer, notching up 12 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions with a year-and-a-half left on his existing contract.

Reflecting on his decision to move to the Saudi Pro League in November, Benzema remarked, “With everything I have achieved with Real Madrid, it was the right time for me to try a new challenge. For a very long time, even before football, I always wɑnted to come here. Then the football project came in; it was a project just starting to burst in from everywhere, so on my side, I really wɑnted to be part of the story. I really wɑnted to help Saudi football grow.”

He continued, “On and off the pitch, I feel good. I’ll sɑy it again, but it’s just how I feel; this country welcomed me with open arms. I feel the love of the people here, so that makes me happy, and I try to return that love on the pitch.”

While Benzema seems content with his stay in Saudi Arabia, the same cannot be said for some of the league’s other stars. Jordan Henderson has already departed for Ajax, and Aymeric Laporte has hinted at player dissatisfaction with their high-profile moves.