Real Madrid: Benzema in Saudi Arabia, answer imminent
Saudi Arabia is flirting with Karim Benzema and has made him a lucrative contract offer, to which he must respond quickly. What will the Real Madrid captain decide?
Like Cristiano Ronaldo and perhaps Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema could be playing in Saudi Arabia next season. Automatically extended until 2024 by Real Madrid after winning the 2022 Ballon d'Or, Karim Benzema has received an incredible offer from Saudi Arabia, according to several Spanish media outlets.
Saudi Arabia offers Benzema €100 million net per year
100 million euros net per season, a two-year contract, 100% of his image rights and various bonuses... that's what the Saudi government is reportedly offering KB9, who is about to turn 36 (AS is even talking about €400 million over two years).
According to Fabrizio Romano, Benzema received the offer last week and informed Florentino Pérez yesterday. According to the Italian journalist, the offer is for Al-Ittihad, who have just won the Saudi league, and Karim Benzema is expected to make a decision by the weekend, as Real Madrid play their final game of the season against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
Al Ittihad expect Karim Benzema's final answer very soon. The official proposal is understood to be close to €100m per season plus benefits. 🚨⚪️🇸🇦
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 31, 2023
Real Madrid are waiting for Karim to make his decision soon, as he told Florentino Pérez about the bid in the last 24h. pic.twitter.com/fKijxIj2bN
A farewell match for Benzema? Everything remains open at this stage, as Real Madrid's initial plan was to count on Benzema for another year. With the renovation of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium nearing completion, the Nueve could be tempted to stay on for one last season before heading off to Saudi Arabia.
Alternatively, he could choose to accept the lucrative Saudi offer now. A proposal that also aims to make Benzema one of the key figures in Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2030 World Cup. After winning everything at Real, Benzema will have to make a decision. Answer imminent.