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    Karim Benzema ‘will LEAVE Real Madrid after 14 years’ and he has already chosen his next transfer

    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.
    Karim Benzema will reportedly leave Real Madrid this summerCredit: Getty
    He has spent 14 years at Madrid, winning 24 major honoursCredit: Getty
    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. More

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    Karim Benzema ‘tells Real Madrid he wants to leave’ with sensational £86m-a-year deal on offer from Saudi Arabia

    KARIM BENZEMA has told Real Madrid that he wants to leave the club, according to reports.The French striker is believed to have been offered a massive deal to move to the Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ittihad.
    Karim Benzema is thought to have told Real Madrid that he wants to leave the clubCredit: Rex
    The Saudis are ready to hand Benzema, 35, a mammoth £86million-a-year contract to leave the LaLiga side.
    The offer also includes 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.
    And it appears the temptation has proved too much for the striker and he has told Madrid that he wants to leave, as per Foot Mercato.
    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.
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    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.
    His most recent contract extension expires at the end of June, although Benzema is said to have agreed on a new deal with Madrid.
    This deal was supposed to see him stay at the club for the 2023-24 season, although it is unclear whether he has inked the final details of his new contract.
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    If he has not put pen to paper, then Benzema will be free to make the move to the Middle East at the expiry of his contract.
    However, if he has signed the contract, then a fee will need to be agreed upon for Madrid to sanction the transfer.
    Ronaldo signed a similar deal when he joined Al-Nassr, meanwhile, Lionel Messi has also reportedly been approached in recent weeks about moving to the Middle Eastern state.
    It is thought that Real Madrid are confident that Benzema will remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for another season. More

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    Sevilla pay touching tribute to ex-keeper Sergio Rico before Roma clash with star in hospital after falling from horse

    SEVILLA paid an emotional tribute to their former goalkeeper Sergio Rico before the Europa League Final. Jose Luis Mendilibar’s men take on Jose Mourinho’s Roma at the Puskas Arena determined to win their seventh European trophy.
    Sevilla paid tribute to former goalkeeper Sergio Rico before the Europa League FinalCredit: Getty
    Paris Saint-Germain ace Rico has been hospitalised after a horse-riding accidentCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Sevilla wear shirts in support of their former goalkeeper Sergio Rico, who is currently hospitalised after a tragic accident ❤️ pic.twitter.com/IKFDFMk9iy— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 31, 2023

    But the LaLiga giants were focused on Paris Saint-Germain ace Rico before kick-off as they wore T-shirt with a special message written in Spanish for their former team-mate.
    The statement read: “Come on, Sergio, we are with you!”
    Rico has been in intensive care since a tragic horse-riding accident on Sunday.
    The 29-year-old was rushed to hospital in a helicopter after falling from his horse in El Rocio, Huelva, and is in serious condition.
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    It has been claimed that the horse he was riding on his way to mass got frightened and threw the ex-Fulham ace off before he was kicked in the head several times.
    Reports claimed the Spain international suffered severe head trauma which meant he had to be intubated upon his arrival at the Virgen del Rocio hospital in Seville.
    And Rico’s partner Alba Silva shared a heartbreaking and desperate message on Instagram.
    Silva posted: “Don’t leave me alone, my love, because I swear I cannot.
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    “I don’t know how to live without you. We love you a lot.”
    Another post read: “Thank you for all the love you have for us. Sergio has a lot of people praying for him and he is very strong.
    “I have no words to describe what I feel.”
    The match in Budapest finished 1-1, with neither side able to find a winner in extra time as it went to a penalty shootout.
    And it was Sevilla to claim yet another Europa League trophy as they won 4-1 on penalties. More

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    Bruno Guimaraes set to snub Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool transfers to become Newcastle’s highest-paid star ever

    NEWCASTLE have offered Bruno Guimaraes a bumper £200,000-a-week pay deal to ward off interest from Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona.SunSport understands the Brazil ace is close to signing a new long-term contract at St James’ Park.
    Newcastle have offered Bruno Guimaraes a huge pay riseCredit: Alamy
    Bruno has become a massive fan favourite at Newcastle alreadyCredit: Reuters
    And he is ready to snub big moves to stay putCredit: Getty
    Bruno, 25, is already Newcastle’s highest earner on £120,000-a-week but will be handed improved terms on his current deal, which expires in 2026, ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign.
    Talks are well advanced to make his the Magpies’ best-paid player ever and the club are not concerned over recent links with some of Europe’s giants.
    Liverpool cannot offer Bruno Champions League football while Barcelona remain dogged by financial problems.
    Signed last January for £42million from Lyon, midfielder Guimaraes is well on his way to hero status following a stellar first full year on Tyneside.
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    The Samba star admitted he held talks with Real Madrid last summer but has repeatedly stated that he wants to stay at Newcastle.
    He said: “Real Madrid is the best team in the world. It is nice but it was just a conversation. It was nothing.
    “I feel at home here. It’s the best thing that has happened in my life.
    “I am living my dream here and hope to be a legend.”
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    Mags boss Eddie Howe was tight-lipped over Bruno’s fresh terms when quizzed last week.
    But he said: “The club is very keen to protect their assets and be ahead of the curve in terms of contract length and making sure we’re in a strong position.
    “But also recognising players who have done well and rewarding them for their performances.”
    SunSport revealed on Wednesday that Portuguese forward Joao Felix has been offered to Newcastle after being bombed out by Chelsea following his sixth-moan loan deal.
    He is surplus to requirements at parent club Atletico Madrid, who are now trying to get him off their books.
    Felix, 23, has also been touted to go to Paris Saint-Germain but wants to stay in the Premier League and play Champions League football.
    Atletico are ready to strike another loan deal but want a modest fee plus the player’s wages of around £200k a week covered, which would be a sticking point for Toon boss Eddie Howe.
    The Blues paid Felix’s wages in full after signing him on loan in January for a fee of £9.7million. More

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    Lionel Messi ‘ready to play for Barcelona for FREE’ to secure transfer but LaLiga rules won’t allow it

    LIONEL MESSI is ready to play for Barcelona FOR FREE but is being prevented by LaLiga rules, reports suggest. The Argentine superstar, 35, is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires in June.
    Lionel Messi would reportedly ‘gladly play for free’ at BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    But LaLiga rules are preventing such a deal from being completedCredit: PA
    A number of parties are interested in signing him, namely Inter Miami, clubs in Saudi Arabia and Barcelona.
    And according to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, Messi would “gladly” go back and play at his old stomping ground for free.
    However, writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Jacobs revealed La Liga rules would prevent such a transfer from materialising.
    He wrote: “Messi would likely and gladly play for free for Barcelona or with a massive pay cut, but this would be deemed as financial manipulation.”
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    Jacobs then went on to reveal there would likely be outgoings if a deal to bring Messi back could be found, including one of the club’s most valuable stars.
    He added: “So Barcelona’s problem is they need a lot of dominos to fall in place to pull off a Messi return, and that may also mean outgoings.
    “Ansu Fati could be one casualty even though he wants to stay at the club.”
    This could offer a boost to the likes of Manchester United, who have been linked with the Spanish winger in recent months.
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    But Jacobs believes any deal with Barcelona is “weeks” away from being hashed out, giving Middle Eastern interest a vital advantage.
    He concluded: “It’s hard to see Barcelona completing anything in a matter of weeks, and that’s what gives Saudi Arabia confidence.
    “A government-backed offer, supported by the Saudi Pro League, has been on the table since April.
    “Messi would earn around £320m-per-year [€370m], almost double Cristiano Ronaldo’s salary.
    “Many of the same dealmakers that took Ronaldo to Al-Nassr are involved.”
    Reports have suggested Messi has been offered an astonishing £1billion package to move to the Saudi league, which would see him DOUBLE Cristiano Ronaldo’s salary in the country.
    However, reports elsewhere suggest Inter Miami and Barcelona and concocting a plan which could see Messi sign for David Beckham’s Major League Soccer franchise before heading to Barca on loan.
    Messi could renew his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Rex More

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    Messi offered £1BILLION Saudi transfer but Barcelona and Beckham’s Inter Miami plot amazing tag-team plan to hijack move

    LIONEL MESSI has received an astonishing transfer offer from Saudi Arabia worth around £1bn, according to reports.Foot Mercato claim that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner could double Cristiano Ronaldo’s Middle Eastern salary if he agrees to the move.
    Lionel Messi has reportedly received an astonishing transfer offer from Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
    A move to Al Hilal would see Messi line up against Cristiano Ronaldo (above) and Al NassrCredit: AFP
    That deal would see him and Ronado renew their rivalry as Messi would line up for Al Hilal against Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
    However, Messi is said to prefer a move to Barcelona and the La Liga champions are said to have enlisted the help of David Beckham to lure the Argentina captain.
    According to L’Equipe, Barca are considering a plan which would see Beckham-owned Inter Miami sign the star before loaning him to Spain.
    Messi’s loan would last for either six or 18 months before the star would move permanently to the MLS.

    He is believed to be almost certain to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, and even missed the club’s title celebrations to attend a Coldplay gig in Barcelona.
    And Barca boss Xavi appears increasingly confident of bringing Messi back to the club where he made his name.
    He told TV3.cat: “Our fans started to mention Leo Messi’s name at every game… I like the feeling but trust me, the comeback of Leo Messi only depends on him.
    “I’d say that it depends 99% on Messi. I have no doubts on football point of view; it’s up to Leo.”
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    David Beckham’s Inter Miami could yet step in to secure Messi’s dream move back to BarcelonaCredit: AFP
    Barca boss Xavi appears confident a deal can be doneCredit: Getty
    Messi this week promoted the new PSG shirt
    It is even claimed by reporter Ben Jacobs that Messi would be willing to play for free in order to seal a return to Barcelona.
    He wrote: “Messi would likely and gladly play for free for Barcelona or with a massive pay cut, but this would be deemed as financial manipulation.
    “So Barcelona’s problem is they need a lot of dominos to fall in place to pull off a Messi return, and that may also mean outgoings.” More

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    Real Madrid star Marco Asensio closing in on shock transfer to ambitious Premier League club

    MARCO ASENSIO is closing in on a shock move to Aston Villa according to reports.Asensio is out of contract at the end of the season and hasn’t put pen to paper on a new deal with Real Madrid.
    Asensio is expected to leave Real Madrid on a free transfer this summerCredit: Rex
    The 27 year old joined the Spanish giants from Mallorca in 2014 and has made 190 appearances, scoring 37 goals.
    The Spanish international has been frustrated at a lack of playing time under Carlo Ancelotti and doesn’t expect that to change if he puts pen to paper on fresh terms.
    He has been linked with a move to PSG, while both Arsenal and AC Milan hold interest in the player.
    However, according to Marca, Asensio could be playing under Unai Emery at Aston Villa next season.
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    The report states that Emery wants to have Asensio as part of his project next season and has taken steps to try and convince him to join.
    Villa would be an interesting move for Asensio with the club having qualified for the Conference League next season and seemingly on the up under Emery.
    Marca adds that the attacker has yet to make a final decision on his future and will continue to study all the proposals he receives.
    Asensio has only started 15 La Liga matches this season, but has provided an impressive 15 goal contributions in 30 league appearances.
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    The Spaniard will want to play regularly next season with Euro 2024 next summer.
    He recently lost his place in the Spain squad for the qualifiers against Scotland and Norway in March.
    He will likely say his goodbyes to Madrid fans this weekend when Los Blancos conclude their campaign against Athletic Bilbao at The Bernabeu. More

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    Jude Bellingham to complete £130m Real Madrid transfer this week or next as he informs Dortmund chiefs he wants to leave

    JUDE BELLINGHAM is on the verge of moving from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid — although both clubs are still haggling over the final fee.His German side are holding out for £130million and the England midfielder looks certain to land his massive move this week or next.
    Jude Bellingham is closing in on a £130m move to Real MadridCredit: Getty
    The deal would include £105m up front with £25m in add-ons and is a huge increase on the £30m Dortmund paid Birmingham three years ago.
    Bellingham’s father Mark has been involved in the negotiations with Real Madrid, who first made contact two years ago.
    The 19-year-old has favoured a move to Spain rather than Manchester City or even Liverpool, who withdrew because they could not afford him.
    Bellingham’s contract could be six years long.
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    Dortmund failed to win the title on the final day and Bellingham was ruled out with a knee injury, which makes him a doubt for England.
    Bellingham did NOT say goodbye to the fans on the pitch after the game but was the last player to leave on Saturday evening and said farewell to the club’s security staff.
    Marca claims on Monday morning he then held talks with Dortmund chiefs informing them he wants to leave.
    The Germans gave Bellingham their blessing, but are adamant they will get the right price for their star man from Real Madrid.
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    Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been hoping to land Bellingham for a basic fee of £85m but Dortmund insist that is not enough.
    Bellingham was named as the Bundesliga player of the season yesterday after scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 31 league appearances.
    He said: “My team-mates and coaches have helped me to develop.
    “I came to the club as a talented lad but I have added elements to my game that have taken it to the next level and that’s down to them.” More