Benzema will leave Real Madrid from next week

According to The Athletic, striker Karim Benzema will leave Real Madrid right after the final round of La Liga this weekend, to join Saudi Arabian club, Al Ittihad.

Many reliable sources also believe that Benzema does not want to stay at Real Madrid, despite having another season left on his contract. He is likely to accept an offer of 400 million euros (about 430 million USD) to play two more seasons in the Saudi League with reigning champions Al Ittihad. Benzema's salary is similar to what Cristiano Ronaldo is receiving at Al Nassr.

Benzema before the match against Man City at Etihad Stadium on May 17, 2023. Photo: Reuters — Benzema before the match against Man City at Etihad Stadium on May 17, 2023. Photo: *Reuters*

Also on June 1, Benzema shared a photo of ESPN journalist Julien Laurens, about the French striker's situation. Laurens wrote: "Karim Benzema has decided to leave Real Madrid after 14 years, with 25 titles, five Champions Leagues. With goals, titles, style and legacy, he deserves to be the greatest player".

Benzema said he would retire from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022, but he left just a year later. This is similar to Ronaldo when the Portuguese superstar said he wanted to hang up his boots at Real in 2017 but left in 2018.

According to The Athletic , Benzema met privately with coach Carlo Ancelotti on May 31 to discuss the matter. Real Madrid leaders do not want to prevent the 36-year-old striker from leaving even though he still has a year left on his contract. The former Lyon striker is expected to be honored after Real plays their final La Liga match of the season against Athletic Bilbao on June 4.

In early May 2023, coach Ancelotti said Real could look for a new striker due to Benzema's age. "It's true that Benzema has had ups and downs, but Rodrygo and Marco Asensio have improved. But it's also true that in the past two years, Real's problem has not been the striker," he said.

British newspaper Sportmail said striker Harry Kane is Real's top target to replace Benzema, but they will have to pay at least $125 million in transfer fees as the England captain still has one year left on his contract with Tottenham.

Al Ittihad are also confident of signing Benzema. During the Saudi League championship celebration, the team's fans chanted Benzema's name in unison. Midfielder Helder Costa even said: "We are very happy about the appearance of Golden Ball winner Benzema at Al Ittihad."

Benzema left Lyon to join Real in the summer of 2009, along with stars like Ronaldo, Kaka and Xabi Alonso. He has scored 353 goals in 647 games for the Royal Club, and is among the record-holders to win five Champions Leagues. Benzema's peak was the 2022-2022 season, when he won the Ballon d'Or.

Duy An

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