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The news of Karim Benzema leaving Real Madrid as a free agent and potentially moving to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad has been confirmed by both the LaLiga club and Saudi Arabia’s state-run Al Ekhbariya television station.
Benzema, the Ballon d’Or winner, ended his 14-year tenure at Real Madrid, during which he achieved tremendous success with numerous trophies.
According to reports, Al Ittihad has reached an agreement with Benzema on a two-year contract, and club officials are in Madrid to finalize what is being referred to as a “record deal” with the striker.
While the 35-year-old Frenchman initially seemed likely to stay at Real Madrid for another year, a substantial offer from Saudi Arabia, reportedly exceeding 100 million euros ($107.05 million), appears to have prompted him to reconsider his future.
Benzema chose to nullify the one-year extension clause in his contract, with Real Madrid acknowledging that he has “earned the right to decide his future.” In a statement, the club expressed their appreciation for Benzema’s exemplary conduct, professionalism, and representation of the club’s values throughout his career at Real Madrid.
If the move to Al Ittihad materializes, Benzema would join his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Gulf country. Ronaldo signed a 2-1/2 year contract with Al Nassr in December, which is estimated to be worth over 200 million euros.
It will be interesting to see how Benzema’s career unfolds in Saudi Arabia and the impact his departure will have on Real Madrid’s future strategies and team dynamics.
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