Terminating Gallardo’s contract will cost Al-Ittihad 65 million riyals, and Benzema will continue

Al-Ittihad Club management is conducting negotiations with Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo to end the contractual relationship, as there is one season remaining in his contract, in light of the club’s decision-makers not wanting him to stay and looking for a replacement for him, according to an informed source in the club who spoke to Al-Eqtisadiah.

He said, “Communications are continuing between the two sides, but the Argentine coach is insisting on obtaining his full contract, which has one year remaining.”

The source indicated that the club’s management is trying to reduce the amount estimated at 65 million riyals, indicating, “The negotiation line is still in place in order to reach a point of agreement between the two parties quickly so that the federation can search for an alternative.”

Regarding the continuation of French striker Karim Benzema, the source confirmed that the player will continue with Al-Ittihad next season, and there is no intention of abandoning him, especially since his professional contract extends until 2026, and only a season has passed.

For his part, the players’ agent, Rafia Al-Shahrani, was surprised by the federation’s desire to terminate Gallardo’s contract, which had only been completed for half a season, stressing that the coach did not fully take his chance and did not have the tools to help him implement his training plans.

He said: “The coach did something from nothing, the circumstances did not help him, and he worked hard, and the decision to dispense with him is not correct.”

He explained that the decision to negotiate and reach the point of agreement regarding termination of the contract is in the hands of the coach, indicating, “Either he adheres to obtaining all the financial dues resulting from the contract or waives some amounts, as he obtains 60% in the event that he has other offers after leaving his position with the federation.” “.

Under Gallardo’s leadership, Al-Ittihad emerged empty-handed from 4 tournaments after he supervised its training starting in the 14th round of the Saudi Roshen League, succeeding Portuguese coach Nuno Santo, with whom it finished in 5th place with 54 points.