KARIM BENZEMA will leave Real Madrid this summer and has chosen his next club, according to reports.
The French striker is subject to a massive offer from Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ittihad.
The Saudis are ready to hand Benzema, 35, a mammoth £342million contract to leave the LaLiga side.
That is according to ESPN, which also claims the striker will join the club and his deal will last two years once his contract at Madrid expires this summer.
The offer is also thought to include additional fees for being an ambassador for the country’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup as well as a residence in a private neighbourhood.
It has also been reported that Benzema has already told Madrid that he wishes to leave the club.
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While Al Ittihad does not boast a superstar, it does have players such as former Leeds and Wolves star Helder Costa and West Brom defender Ahmed Hegazi among their ranks.
And the club did manage to beat Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title this season by five points.
Benzema has enjoyed a trophy-laden 14-year stay in the Spanish capital, winning 24 major honours in that time.
He also managed to bag 353 goals during his time at the club. putting among the club’s top ever goalscorers.
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His most recent contract extension expires at the end of June.
It had been reported that he had agreed on a new deal with Los Blancos but it had never been officially confirmed.
If Benzema has signed a new contract, then a fee would need to be agreed between the clubs.
While The Athletic has claimed that Madrid are not going to stand in his way of making the move.
It also suggests that Benzema’s team-mates have known that he was tempted by the offer for several weeks.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
