The file for renewing the contract of French star Karim Benzema, Real Madrid striker, has become more complicated in light of the financial claims of the best player in the world in 2022, in conjunction with the decline in his level during the current season and his absence from many matches due to injury.

Benzema's current contract with the "Royal" ends next summer, and negotiations between the two parties have not resulted - so far - in extending this contract.

And the Spanish newspaper “Sport” confirmed that Benzema stipulated that President Florentino Perez’s administration should increase his salary in order to sign a new contract.

Benzema comes in second place in the salary scale of Real Madrid players.

And only the Belgian Eden Hazard, who has not participated in any match with the team for 3 months, gets paid more than him, and was completely out of coach Carlo Ancelotti's accounts.

🚨🎖️|

There are doubts about Benzema's future at Real Madrid.

@MarioCortegana pic.twitter.com/pAuiRu6Xx0

- Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) March 10, 2023

The "Merengue" administration refuses to increase Benzema's salary at a time when the player's level has declined this season due to his many injuries, according to "Sport".

The administration went further, as it began to think about compensating Benzema, and set its eyes on the Norwegian Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, who is linked to the English club with a contract until the summer of 2027.

However, the newspaper believes that the investigation with Manchester City, which is accused of violating the rules of fair financial play for the last nine years, may facilitate the issue of the “Meringue” contract with Haaland.

The Real Madrid administration follows the principle of extending the stars of the team who exceed 30 for one season only, after which it is renewed for another year, or the player leaves in the event of disagreement.

Benzema outside the Real Madrid and Espanyol match

In the context, Ancelotti confirmed the absence of Benzema from facing Real Madrid and its guest Espanyol tomorrow, Saturday, in the Spanish League.

The list called up for the 25th round match of the “La Liga” did not see the name Benzema due to swelling in the ankle.

📋✅ Team roster for tomorrow's match 🆚 @RCDEspanyol #RealMadridEspanyol pic.twitter.com/HHwvaHnae3

- Real Madrid (@realmadridarab) March 10, 2023

Mundo Deportivo reported that Benzema missed Real Madrid in 15 matches, including tomorrow's match.

Benzema participated in 27 out of 41 matches in all tournaments, but his new injury brought him to the Bernabeu clinic for the seventh time.

The French striker scored 18 times this season, in addition to providing 5 assists.

Spanish and British reports agree that Benzema's injury is not serious, and will not prevent him from appearing with Real Madrid against Liverpool next Wednesday in the second leg of the Champions League final.

Benzema contributed to his team's victory over Liverpool in the first leg at Anfield, 5-2, from which the "government" scored two goals.