Real Madrid star Karim Benzema is reportedly mulling over a €200 million per season offer from an unnamed Saudi Arabian side despite having agreed to a one-year contract extension.
According to a recent report from Relevo (via Madrid Zone), Real Madrid now believe Benzema is considering an exit from Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season in favour of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
Benzema is Real Madrid’s longest-serving player, having joined from Lyon in 2009. He has racked up over 350 goals in 647 games across 14 seasons with the Spanish giants, leading them to multiple domestic and European titles over the years. Now aged 35, he is coming towards the end of his career and could make the move after a hugely successful and trophy-laden Real Madrid career.
The forward’s contract at the Santiago Bernabeu ends at the end of the season, and he was expected to renew it for another season. Although several reports had claimed that a verbal agreement was already in place between the striker and Los Blancos, the club are yet to officiate the contract extension for their star striker as we are approaching the season’s end.
However, recent reports have stated that the Frenchman has received a massive €200 million offer from Saudi Arabia and is thinking about leaving. The offer stretches across two years, along with extra benefits that include image rights, advertising, and the opportunity to establish schools for children in his name.
It would also make him the face of the country’s campaign for the 2030 World Cup, alongside Greece and Egypt, with his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo already plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League.
The Saudi top flight is gradually becoming one of the top destinations for European players, owing to the enticing pay package. Saudi Arabian outfits have been trying to tempt some top footballers from Europe over the last few months, including the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, among others.
It was understood that the Madrid giants would opt against signing a high-profile forward this summer as they believe Benzema still has one season left in the tank; however, his poor performance in big Champions League games this season have cast doubt on the administration and coaching staff about his commitment to the team.
Indeed, Benzema has had a difficult season, with the Real Madrid captain having had to deal with multiple injury and fitness issues across the course of this campaign. Despite this, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has still been in good form lately, scoring 25 goals in 30 games after the Qatar World Cup.
Benzema had been committed to staying at Real Madrid, but this offer has cast doubt over whether he will stay at the club for next season. The final decision, however, has not been made.
Should Benzema decide to leave prematurely, Madrid’s next move will be interesting given they have been linked with a move for Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino in recent weeks, which would enable them to line up an all-Brazilian frontline next season. There has also been news regarding Harry Kane, claiming that Carlo Ancelotti wants to make the Englishman a priority for next summer when his contract expires.
