Real Madrid have confirmed that Karim Benzema will leave the Bernabeu after 14 years at the club, with the Frenchman set to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad. The 35-year-old is understood to have agreed a two-year deal worth around €100million (£85.8m) per season, with Real agreeing to cancel his contract which was due to run until 2024 after he triggered an extension clause earlier this year. Benzema has helped Los Blancos win 25 trophies during his time at the club, including four La Liga tiles and five Champions Leagues. He will be given a farewell press conference on Tuesday with his final match coming later today against Athletic Bilbao, with Real not wishing to stand in the way of their second-highest all-time goalscorer.
A statement on Sunday morning read: ‘Real Madrid Football Club and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close. Real Madrid would like to show our gratitude and affection to a player who is already one of our greatest legends. 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. He moved from Lyon to Real in a £35.2million deal in 2009 (Picture: Getty).
Benzema will join Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad, who are currently managed by ex-Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, and he will be in direct rivalry with former Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar – the only player to score more goals for Real than Benzema – swapped Manchester for Saudi Arabia at the end of last year after his contract with United was ripped up, finishing the season five points shy of Al-Ittihad. Benzema won the Ballon d’Or last year – becoming the second-oldest winner after Stanley Matthews – while he has netted 18 times in 23 La Liga appearances this season.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are expected to be busy in the transfer market as they look to replace their talismanic frontman, with Tottenham contract rebel Harry Kane one of the top names on their list while they have also been linked with Chelsea’s Kai Havertz in the past. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.