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Karim Benzema, one of the greatest strikers in the history of the sport, is reportedly leaving Real Madrid after 14 seasons, 25 trophies, and five Champions League crowns. The 35-year-old striker is leaving to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad. The second-highest goal scorer in Real Madrid history behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who also plays in Saudi Arabia, Benzema claimed the 2022 Ballon d'Or after winning his fifth UCL crown with Los Blancos.
According to sources, Karim Benzema informed Real Madrid that he wants to quit the team. The French striker is rumored to have received a huge offer to join the Al Ittihad team in Saudi Arabia. The Saudis are prepared to offer Benzema, a massive £86 million contract.
The offer also includes extra compensation for serving as an ambassador for the nation's effort to host the 2030 World Cup as well as housing in a privileged area.
Karim Benzema will speak again to Real Madrid board and president Florentino Pérez on Thursday. Al Ittihad feel they did their best proposal to temp Karim. 🚨⚪️🇸🇦 #Benzema
Saudi sources are optimistic but still waiting for the final green light. Key hours ahead. pic.twitter.com/gLh8UHuWce— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 31, 2023
Al Ittihad does not have a superstar, but it does have players like Helder Costa, a former star for Leeds and Wolves, Ahmed Hegazi, and West Brom. The team did succeed in defeating Al-Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, by five points to win the Saudi Pro League championship this year.
Benzema has spent 14 years in the Spanish capital and has collected numerous trophies along the way, including 24 major awards. Although Benzema is rumored to have reached an agreement on a new contract with Madrid, his most recent contract extension expires at the end of June. It is unknown if he has signed the final provisions of his new contract, which was expected to keep him with the team until the 2023–24 campaign.