Karim Benzema is leaving Real Madrid as a free agent in the close season to go to Saudi Arabian Al Ittihad.
The striker and Ballon d’Or winner is finally leaving Real Madrid after playing for the club for 14 years.
Saudi Arabia’s state-run television – Al Ekhbariya station reported that Al Ittihad had reached an agreement with Benzema on a two-year “record deal” contract.
35-year-old Karim Benzema had initially wanted to remain with Real Madrid for one more year after a 2022-23 season in which he struggled with injuries and missed out on France’s World Cup campaign in Qatar due to another injury.
However, after the Saudi Arabian Al Ittihad reportedly offered to pay him over 100 million euros ($107.05 million), he reconsidered his future.
Real Madrid said Benzema had “earned the right to decide his future” after the Frenchman decided to cancel the one-year extension clause he had in his contract with them.
“Real Madrid and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close,” the club said in a statement.
“Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been a shining example of conduct and professionalism, and he has represented the values of our club.”
Benzema joined Real Madrid in 2009 from Olympique Lyonnais and has since been the club’s top striker and goal scorer after Ronaldo went to Juventus in 2018.
Benzema is second in the club’s top all-time goal scorers with 350 goals, after Ronaldo.
The 2021-22 campaign was his best season when he scored 44 goals in all competitions to lead the club to a record-extending 14th European title and the LaLiga crown.
He was also key in Real Madrid’s great performance in the Champions League quarter-finals and semi-finals against Paris St Germain (PSG), Chelsea, and Manchester City.
Benzema won a record 25 trophies with the club, including five European Cups, four LaLiga titles, and three Copas del Rey. He is also the first French player to win the Ballon d’Or crown and the fifth Frenchman overall.
Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabia is following Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to the Gulf country and speculations that Lionel Messi might be in discussion to sign with them.
His exit also comes a day after Real announced Eden Hazard was also leaving the club after agreeing to terminate his contract a year early.
Real Madrid might have some fill-up to do in their attack side as their attacking midfielder Marco Asensio and striker Mariano Diaz have also left the club.