KARIM BENZEMA could be set for a sensational return to Lyon after the Ligue 1 club’s president offered the forward the chance to finish his career in France.
The Real Madrid man has been in fine form this season and has 14 goals from 18 outings for the Spanish giants – a return which includes a La Liga high 10 strikes in 13.
Karim Benzema is a long-term Lyon targetCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Benzema has history with the French outfit, having joined Madrid from Lyon in a £35m deal in 2009, the same year in which Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka moved to the Spanish giants.
A return would, therefore, prove popular with supporters at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais and those in charge of the purse strings are keen to make it happen.
Lyon president, Jean-Michel Aulus, said: “Karim may be a possibility. We talked about it with Karim Djaziri (Benzema’s agent) last year.
“During that time there have been a lot of changes at Real Madrid. He has immense talent. Furthermore he is one of the best players France has.”
Aulus’ comments come on the back of Lyon sporting Director Juninho saying he was keen to see Benzema back where he started his career.
Juninho believes that Benzema would be an ideal fit at Lyon and insists he could have a positive impact on the existing players at the club’s disposal.
“I would like to propose to Karim that he finish his career with us. We have been chatting via text,” he said.
“I’d like him to come and play for two years with us and train with the younger players. He can be a leader for us. it would be a dream for Karim to end his career at home.”
Benzema has been integral to Madrid since making the switch to Spain a decade ago, scoring 236 goals and winning four Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey crowns.
Extracting Benzema from the Bernabeu, where the 31-year-old is tied to a contract until 2021, could, in the short-term at least, prove difficult.
He has been among the club’s top performers this term and his goals have helped Madrid stay level on points with league leaders Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table.
Aulus acknowledges the complications with such a transfer, but has not given up on the possibility of signing Benzema in the future.
He said: “A transfer is not possible at this moment. But if the opportunity arises tomorrow or the day after.
“Juninho has already said as much and, generally speaking, when Juninho says he’ll get something done, it gets done.”
Benzema is fondly remembered at Lyon after he helped them win four Ligue 1 titles on the spin between 2005 and 2008.
He made his name as one of the best young talents in Europe with a return of 66 goals from 148 games while on their books.
His tally of 20 goals earned him the Ligue 1 golden boot in 2008 – the same year in which Lyon secured a league and cup double.
Lyon have failed to win the French title since and have finished third in the past two campaigns as they struggle to make up the gap the big-spending PSG.
Hilarious highlights reel shows Benzema ‘spent half a game teaching Mendy how to play football’ in Real’s win over Eibar
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
