Real Madrid officially announced the departure of Karim Benzema after 14 seasons with the Spanish giants.
Benzema will move to the Saudi Pro League with Jeddah-based club Al-Ittihad, confirming rumors swirling for the past week.
The 35-year-old striker will reportedly sign a three-year deal with Al-Ittihad worth $643 million, according to Front Office Sports.
Karim Benzema — one of the greatest strikers of all time — is signing with Saudi club Al-Ittihad, per @FabrizioRomano.
His contract: 3 years, $643 million. pic.twitter.com/AgQYzeNZ48— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 4, 2023
Benzema is the reigning Ballon d'Or and UEFA Player of the Year winner after leading a spectacular campaign in the 2021-22 season that saw Real Madrid win La Liga and the Champions League.
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Karim Benzema: Real Madrid Club Legend
Regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time, the French international is the club's second-highest goalscorer of all time and the record-holder of most trophies won by a player wearing the iconic white shirt with 25.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano also confirmed the Saudi transfer, stating that the striker has been invited to the Gulf country to prepare for his move, and the official announcement will come as soon as Wednesday.
Karim Benzema, invited to Saudi next week in order to prepare his move to Al Ittihad as new star of Arabian league. 🚨⚪️🇸🇦 #Benzema
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 4, 2023
The announcement is expected next week if all goes to plan — it could be Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/tRs20EXleU
Benzema played his last match for Real Madrid on Sunday, scoring their lone goal from the penalty spot in a 1-1 draw against Athletic Club. He officially ended his time with the Spanish capital with 354 goals and 165 assists.
The reigning Ballon d'Or winner will join his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, currently playing in the Saudi league for Riyadh-based club Al-Nassr.
Meanwhile, another Saudi club, Riyadh-based Al-Hilal, has offered superstar Lionel Messi a staggering $1.3 billion deal for two years.
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