After 14 years at Real Madrid, Karim Benzema is set to leave the Spanish giants on a free transfer. He has received a “record offer” from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, according to Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague. The 35-year-old Ballon d’Or winner won five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles with Madrid, as well as five Club World Cups and three Copa del Rey triumphs. He is the second highest goalscorer in Madrid’s history with 353 goals, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo. Benzema’s final appearance for Madrid will be on Sunday against Athletic Bilbao, their last match of the 2022-23 La Liga season.
Benzema’s departure is one of many changes being rumoured at Santiago Bernabeu this summer, following disappointments in La Liga and the Champions League. Real Madrid are looking to bring in a new striker, with Spanish striker Joselu potentially joining on loan from Espanyol and Ancelotti being a fan of Tottenham striker Harry Kane. They are also planning on a move for Paris St-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe next summer. Madrid said in a statement that Benzema has earned the right to decide his future and that he has been an example of behaviour and professionalism, representing the values of the club.