Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema will leave the club this summer and join the Saudi Pro League, according to ESPN.
The 35-year-old reportedly has an offer from Al-Ittihad worth €200 million and is ready to accept it.
The former French international will call time on an illustrious career in Madrid.
Benzema joined Los Blancos from his boyhood club Lyon in 2009. He was a talented and exciting striker and became a legend in Madrid.
Benzema spearheaded the famous BBC trio, including Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Lyon-born forward helped Real Madrid to win five Champions League titles. They also picked up the Club World Cup five times and the UEFA Super Cup four times.
In addition, Benzema won four La Liga titles during his stay at the club. He also won three Copa del Reys and three Spanish Super Cup titles.
Benzema netted 353 goals and assisted 165 more in 647 appearances for Madrid.
However, he would save his best for last. He enjoyed his best-ever season at the club last year. He captained the club to their 14th UCL title and another La Liga triumph in the 2021/22 season.
Benzema was the top scorer in both competitions and won the 2022 Ballon d’Or. He also picked up the UEFA Footballer of the Year award.
This term, the centre-forward has had to deal with many niggling injuries as he comes to grips with old age.
He still netted 18 La Liga goals in his 23 appearances. He recorded three assists despite creating 14 big chances.
Benzema moves to reinforce an Al-Ittihad side that won the Saudi Pro League this term ahead of Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
Benzema’s departure will leave a gaping hole in the Madrid squad to fill. They were likely not expecting his departure this summer but will have to enter the transfer market.
Real Madrid and manager Carlo Ancelotti will be keenly interested in Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Victor Osimhen (Napoli), and Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan).
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