Karim Benzema has decided to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season
According to French journalist Julien Laurens on Twitter, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema will end his association with the club at the end of the 2022/23 season.
The French superstar has been a mainstay at the Santiago Bernabeu for the last 14 years since arriving from Olympique Lyonnais in the summer of 2009. Since then, he has made 647 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 353 goals and assisting 165 more.
He will leave as the second-highest scorer in club history, having enjoyed a spell laden with personal accolades and trophies. The reigning Ballon d’Or holder is just the second player since 2008 not named Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the award.
At 35, the time is now rife for Benzema to move on to newer pastures. He has won it all with Real Madrid and could do with a new challenge. Moving on also allows the Spanish giants to rebuild their frontline and also look forward to the future.
Karim Benzema has decided to leave Real Madrid after 14 years and 25 trophies including 5 Champions Leagues. His legacy is immense. An incredible person and an incredible player. One of the greatest ever. @ESPNFC
— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) June 1, 2023
Benzema’s decision comes on the heels of him being approached by Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad regarding a middle-east swansong. The Middle East has turned into an attractive destination for aging stars, with Ronaldo currently plying his trade for Al-Nassr.
With Benzema’s decision made, Madrid will now need to bring in a replacement for the Frenchman. One solid choice is Roberto Firmino, who will leave Liverpool in the summer and will be available for free. Bringing in such an experienced striker will permit Los Blancos to go big on Jude Bellingham and others.
The Brazilian still has a good few years left in him and is the ideal team player to build an attack around. With the likes of Barcelona also in the fray, it remains to be seen if the Bernabeu will come calling for the Liverpool star.
While Harry Kane’s name is also doing the rounds, the latest striker to be linked to Madrid is Chelsea’s Kai Havertz. The German is coming off a poor reason and has shown himself to be anything but prolific in west London. The summer is still young and it will come as a surprise should Madrid not dip into the market for a high-profile replacement for Benzema.
