A Spanish report confirmed that French star Karim Benzema, Real Madrid striker, is close to reaching an agreement to move to the Saudi club Al-Ittihad, and sign a two-year contract, during which he will receive an amount of 200 million euros.
The newspaper "AS" (AS) – close to Real Madrid – that the agreement between Benzema and the Union is imminent, noting that Real Madrid does not yet know the player's decision.
Benzema's contract with Real Madrid expires next month, and he was on the cusp of extending it for an additional season, but it seems that the Saudi offer will hasten the departure of the Algerian-born player from the "royal" club.
🚨 Fuentes cercanas al club árabe, aseguran a AS que el delantero francés ya ha dado el sí.
⚪ El Madrid, a estas horas, todavía no conoce su decisión. https://t.co/NhVh9BHFe0
— Diario AS (@diarioas) May 31, 2023
The newspaper quoted a source in the Union club as saying that advanced negotiations are taking place between the club and the player, leaving only some details to resolve the deal officially, explaining that the contract will extend two seasons.
Benzema will receive 100 million euros tax-free each season.
According to AS, Benzema contacted his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo to ask him about the Saudi league and the nature of life in the Kingdom.
Should Benzema leave Real Madrid, he will have finished 14 seasons with the team after joining in 2009 from Lyon.
One of Karim Benzema's best goals @Benzema in El Clásico#LaLigaSantander #ElClásico ⚽🔝#LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/6kKva6tHz7
— LaLiga (@LaLigaArab) January 31, 2022
During that period, Benzema made 647 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 353 goals and providing 165 assists.
Benzema has won 25 trophies with Real Madrid, most notably the Champions League 5 times, La Liga 4 times, and the Copa del Rey 3 times.