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    Kai Havertz ‘on verge of shock Real Madrid transfer’ in ‘mega-deal’ from Chelsea after Karim Benzema exit

    KAI HAVERTZ is on the verge of signing for Real Madrid in a “mega-deal” from Chelsea, reports in Germany say. The LaLiga giants have lost star striker Karim Benzema, 35, whose Bernabeu exit was revealed by the club.
    Kai Havertz is linked with a move to Real MadridCredit: AFP
    And Chelsea’s Havertz emerged as a shock contender to replace the Frenchman, who leaves after 14 years in the Spanish capital.
    Now according to Bild, the Germany international can “quickly” become a Real player.
    It is claimed manager Carlo Ancelotti and President Florentino Perez are both admirers of the forward.
    And with Chelsea open to selling Havertz, 23, an agreement with Real is expected to follow.
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    The playmaker joined Chelsea in 2020 for a then-club record £75m deal from Bayer Leverkusen.
    And despite scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final in his first season, he has lacked consistency.
    It leaves the Blues ready to sell Havertz after just three years in West London as they look to clear their squad out this summer.
    Real are also doing so, after ex-Chelsea star Eden Hazard, 32, terminated his contract.
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    And Benzema’s exit shortly followed while the attacker is linked with a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia.
    A statement 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 is leaving Real MadridCredit: AFP More

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    Fans have theory Eden Hazard ‘sacrificed himself’ by terminating Real Madrid contract for good of Chelsea

    CHELSEA fans have a theory that Eden Hazard “sacrificed himself” by leaving Real Madrid for the good of his former club. Hazard saw his Real contract terminated by mutual consent after a horror four seasons in the Spanish capital.
    Eden Hazard has left Real MadridCredit: Getty
    And the move comes with the LaLiga giants linked with Chelsea’s Kai Havertz.
    So some Blues fans reckon Hazard has paved the way for Havertz to be sold after Real cleared space in their squad.
    One said: “Hazard sacrificed himself so Chelsea could get rid of Havertz… club legend.”
    Another agreed: “Hazard sacrificed himself for the greater good. Proper Chels.”
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    One added: “Hazard sacrificed himself so Madrid had to sign Havertz. F*****g trooper man.”
    Another joked: “Hazard sacrificed his soul so we get rid of Havertz.”
    Hazard, 32, left Chelsea for Real in 2019 in a deal worth up to £150million.
    But the Belgian struggled for form and with injuries, scoring just seven goals in his 76 appearances.
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    And after suffering a strained relationship with manager Carlo Ancelotti the club and player parted ways.
    Havertz, 23, meanwhile, joined Chelsea in 2020 for a then-club record £75m deal from Bayer Leverkusen.
    And despite scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final in his first season, the German has lacked consistency.
    It leaves Chelsea open to selling him in the summer, with Real leading the race for Havertz.
    Star striker Karim Benzema, 35, has left Madrid and is linked with a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia, leaving the side in search of a new No9.
    Kai Havertz is linked with a move to Real MadridCredit: AFP More

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    Eden Hazard’s £400k-a-week Real Madrid contract RIPPED UP with ex-Chelsea ace now a free agent after disastrous transfer

    EDEN HAZARD is now without a club after Real Madrid ripped up his £400,00-a-week contract.The Belgian was hoping to see out the final year of his lucrative deal in the Spanish capital.
    Eden Hazard is a free agent after having his Real Madrid deal ripped upCredit: Getty
    But Hazard is now set to depart Real after four injury-laden seasons in search of pastures new.
    A statement confirmed: “Real Madrid C. F. and Eden Hazard have reached an agreement by which the player is disassociated from the club as of June 30, 2023.
    “Eden Hazard has been part of our club for four seasons, in which he has won 8 titles: 1 European Cup, 1 Club World Cup, 1 European Super Cup, 2 Leagues, 1 Copa del Rey and 2 Spanish Super Cups.”Real Madrid wants to express its affection for Eden Hazard and wishes him and his entire family the best of luck in this new stage.”
    Hazard, 32, joined Real in 2018 for an initial £86million after winning the Europa League with Chelsea.
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    That figure eventually rose to a staggering £125m after further LaLiga and Champions League success at the Bernabeu.
    But numerous injuries meant Hazard was barely involved in those triumphs.
    He played 76 times in all competitions for Real – just 14 more games than he managed in his first single season at Chelsea.
    Indeed, Hazard featured only six times in the league this term.
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    And some reports suggest he could even retire from the game after a glittering career that peaked at Stamford Bridge.
    Hazard spent seven seasons at Chelsea, becoming a club icon and fan favourite with 110 goals in 352 games.
    He landed two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues and an FA Cup during his time in London.
    But Hazard decided to leave in 2018 for Real as he felt he had a better chance of winning the Champions League with them.
    The Belgian finally got his hands on the trophy in 2022, yet he would have won it a year earlier if he had stayed at Stamford Bridge.
    Before Chelsea, Hazard led Lille to Ligue 1 glory in 2011.
    He also won 126 caps for Belgium before retiring after their group stage exit at the Qatar World Cup.
    And should there be no takers for Hazard this summer, his time in club football could also be coming to an end. More

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    Ancelotti ‘tells Real Madrid bosses to sign Harry Kane in transfer showdown talks’ as he breaks silence on Tottenham ace

    REAL MADRID manager Carlo Ancelotti has urged club bosses to sign Tottenham superstar Harry Kane in the summer, reports suggest.Kane is running the last 12 months of his deal with Spurs and a bidding war looks set to take place for his signature ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
    Tottenham superstar Harry Kane has been linked with a move away this summerCredit: Getty
    Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has asked club chiefs to sign KaneCredit: Rex
    According to The Athletic, Real are among the clubs keeping tabs in the star striker after Ancelotti declared his interest during transfer showdown talks with the club’s hierarchy.
    The Italian tactician met with president Florentino Perez and general manager Jose Angel Sanchez on Thursday at Los Blancos’ Valdebebas training ground.
    That is when the ex-Chelsea boss asked for the England captain to reinforce his attack ahead of next season.
    The former Everton manager will need a new centre-forward if Karim Benzema ends his legendary 14-year stint at Santiago Bernabeu amid ongoing reports linking him with Al-Ittihad.
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    Ancelotti remained coy, though, when addressing links with Kane recently.
    The 63-year-old head coach described the forward as a “top player” but insisted he wouldn’t discuss the topic further out of “respect” for Tottenham.
    Ancelotti said: “Harry Kane is a top player but we have to respect Tottenham, he’s a Tottenham player.
    “I can guarantee to you that Real Madrid will have a competitive team again next season”.
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    Manchester United are also in the running for Kane’s signature amid their desperate search for a top centre-forward to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
    The 29-year-old doesn’t appear keen to go abroad as he is only 48 goals away from surpassing Alan Shearer’s legendary Premier League record of 260.
    Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, though, is not keen to sell his star player to a direct rival. More

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    How Real Madrid could line up after breaking the bank for Bellingham AND Kane with England stars on transfer wishlist

    REAL MADRID are eager to strengthen their squad with two England superstars this summer.Carlo Ancelotti’s side lost their LaLiga crown to Barcelona this term, and fell in the Champions League semi-finals to Manchester City.

    Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are both on Real Madrid’s wishlistCredit: Getty
    Real Madrid did manage to win the Copa del Rey, but will be aiming to compete for further honours next term by making statement acquisitions.
    The Spanish giants are set to complete a £130million deal for Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund next week.
    Bellingham, 19, handed out leaving gifts to his Dortmund team-mates this week ahead of the move.
    Madrid would also love to prise Harry Kane away from Tottenham, should Karim Benzema leave this summer.
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    The Frenchman is reportedly on the verge of joining Saudi side Al-Ittihad on a staggering £342million contract.
    Kane, 29, has one year remaining on his Spurs deal, although he may be more likely to leave on a free transfer in 12 months than for a fee this summer.
    Real Madrid would also have to compete with Manchester United for Kane’s signature, should the England skipper decide to leave his boyhood club.
    Ancelotti’s men have also been linked with a surprise deal for Liverpool ace Andy Robertson.
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    Andy Robertson is also on Real Madrid’s radarCredit: Rex
    The Scotland captain could cost around £40m, with the Mail claiming that he is high on Madrid’s list.
    Should he sign for Los Blancos, Robertson could slot into a back four featuring Eder Militao, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal – with the likes of Antonio Rudiger in reserve.
    Thibaut Courtois is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world behind them – while Bellingham would join a star-studded midfield ahead.
    Madrid are expected to give veteran midfielder Luka Modric a further 12-month deal – and the Croatian could join Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni in a trio.
    Ancelotti will also have Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Toni Kroos to call upon.
    Kane could then provide a focal point for silky wingers Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo to play off up top.
    Vinicius Jr has ascended into one of the world’s best playersCredit: EPA More

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    Eight strikers Real Madrid could sign to fill Benzema’s boots including Kane, Rashford and shock Ronaldo transfer return

    REAL MADRID are set for a busy summer transfer window after Karim Benzema reportedly agreed a move away from the club.The French striker is thought to have made up his mind and has his heart set on a move to Saudi Arabia side Al Ittihad.
    Karim Benzema is believed to be on his way out of Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Benzema, 35, now looks set to leave the Santiago Bernabeu after 14 years and 24 major honours.
    He is set to be paid an eye-watering £342million over a two-year contract with Al Ittihad.
    However, Madrid must now find a replacement for the striker that bagged 353 goals during his time at the club.
    Harry Kane
    Harry Kane could be a replacement for BenzemaCredit: Getty
    The Tottenham star, 29, has just enjoyed a personally sensational season as he netted 30 times in the Premier League.
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    However, the North London outfit faltered as it limped to an 8th-placed finish, missing out on European football for next season.
    Kane has been tipped for an exit from Spurs this summer and has previously been linked with a move to Los Blancos.
    Although an attempt to sign the England captain could prove to be tricky, as SunSport exclusively revealed, he wants to stay in the prem, but Benzema’s bombshell could see Madrid test his resolve.
    Cristiano Ronaldo
    Cristiano Ronaldo could be tempted into a return to MadridCredit: Getty
    The Portuguese star, 38, would only be a short-term option but does know his way around the LaLiga giants.
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    Ronaldo starred for the club over a nine-year stay with the club, during which he became its top-ever goalscorer.
    Currently playing his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, it is thought that he would be keen on a return to European football, and Madrid could become an option.
    Victor Osimhen
    Victor Osimhen is thought to be on the way out of Napoli this summerCredit: Getty
    The Napoli talisman is one of the hottest names in the market this summer after leading the Naples side to the Serie A title this season.
    Osimhen, 24, has been linked to a host of European giants this season, such as Manchester United, Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich.
    However, Madrid could push their way to the front of the queue to sign the 25-goal hitman, with Napoli believed to want £130m to let him leave.
    Marcus Rashford
    Madrid could tempt Manchester United into selling Marcus RashfordCredit: Getty
    Rashford, 25, has enjoyed his best-ever season at Manchester United, firing 30 goals in 55 appearances in all competitions.
    He could be added to Madrid’s existing Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo attack, giving the club a rapid-looking front three.
    A move to the Bernabeu could intrigue the Red Devils ace, and a deal might be possible as his contract is set to expire in 2024.
    A decent offer could tempt the Old Trafford outfit into a sale rather than lose him for free next summer, especially if they could beat rivals Barcelona to his signature, as they have been linked with a move.
    Erling Haaland
    Erling Haaland would add firepower to the Madrid attackCredit: PA
    The Norwegian superstar, 22, would definitely fit the El Galactico bill after netting 52 goals in 51 games for Manchester City in his debut campaign with the club.
    The Haaland has been a previous target for Madrid before he opted to move to the Premier League.
    Los Blancos have been tipped to make a world record bid for the former Borussia Dortmund striker in the summer of 2024, but could opt to bring their plans forward a year to seal a move sooner.
    Kylian Mbappe
    Kylian Mbappe was previously linked with a move to Real MadridCredit: Rex
    The 2018 French world cup winner, 24, has seemed destined for a move to Madrid and almost did in 2022 until he signed a mega contract with PSG.
    However, after a disappointing season in France, it is thought that Mbappe is considering quitting the club to fulfil his ambition of winning the Champions League.
    And with his deal in the French capital set to expire next summer, Madrid could once again try and convince PSG into a sale.
    Lautaro Martinez
    Lautaro Martinez could make a fine striker for MadridCredit: Getty
    Martinez, 25, has enjoyed another fruitful campaign with Inter Milan as he has netted 21 goals in 37 Serie A appearances this season.
    He has also helped his club to the Champions League final, where they will face Manchester City.
    The Italian club are dealing with some financial issues and could be forced into a sale in order to rebuild the squad.
    Kai Havertz
    Madrid have been linked with Kai HavertzCredit: Getty
    The Chelsea frontman could be a shock option for Madrid after they were already linked with a move for him.
    Havertz, 23, was not so long ago viewed as one of the most exciting stars in Europe after impressing with Bayer Leverkusen.
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    He has won the Champions League, FA Cup and Club World Cup with the Blues.
    However, the German international’s form has dropped over the last year, and Chelsea could be tempted into a sale in order to make back some of the £600m they have just forked out on players over the last year. More

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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