In a seismic transfer development, recent Ballon d’Or recipient Karim Benzema is said to have agreed to depart Real Madrid after an impressive 14-year stint with the La Liga giants. According to multiple reports, the 35-year-old French striker has apparently accepted an eye-popping offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, in a deal worth €400 million (approximately $430 million) over a two-year period.
Karim Benzema speaking now at Marca:
Leyenda: “I am very proud of my career. I remember when I signed here at Real… I was a kid, with a dream to play for Real Madrid one day”.
“When I signed for this club I was a boy, 21 years old. I was just thinking about enjoying and winning trophies, and in the END I see that I have won a lot with Real Madrid.”
Although no official announcement has been made by either club, the reported move would follow in the footsteps of Benzema’s former Real teammate and five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in December in a nine-figure deal.
This transfer bombshell comes amidst speculation of another significant move, with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, set to leave Paris Saint-Germain, also linked to a potential switch to the Middle East, specifically Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal.
Benzema’s departure from Real Madrid marks the end of a remarkable era, leaving behind an exceptional legacy. Over his 14-year tenure, he amassed an impressive record of 237 goals and 106 assists in 438 appearances (2009-2022). His contributions were instrumental in securing four league titles, five Champions League triumphs, and three Copa del Rey victories for the Spanish giants. Moreover, he showcased his prowess on the international stage, scoring 37 goals in 97 appearances for the French national team.
As Benzema’s reported move to Al-Ittihad beckons, the football world eagerly awaits official confirmation, while pondering the wider implications of star players departing Europe for the allure of lucrative contracts in the Middle East. The financial power and ambition of these clubs are redefining the landscape of the sport, prompting discussions about the balance of competition and the future of top-level football.
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