Karim Benzema has announced he’s leaving Real Madrid with a HUGE money move to the Saudi Pro League.
The French striker, 35, has enjoyed one of the great Los Blancos careers after joining from Lyon back in 2009. His total of 353 club goals is bettered only by Cristiano Ronaldo, with his haul four La Liga and five Champions League titles amongst a host of honours won with the Spanish giants.
But with his contract at Real expiring this summer, his future has been the subject of much debate with President Florentino Perez seeking a rebuild amid the club’s failure to conquer Europe or their own domestic league this season.
The star is expected to accept a staggering deal with £345 million over two years. His exact destination is yet to be confirmed, with newly crowned league champions Al-Ittihad though to be the favourites to sign him.
He will play his last game for the club at the Bernabeu on Sunday evening and then hold a press conference to bid farewell to the club on Tuesday.
In a statement, Real said: “Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been an example of behavior and professionalism, and has represented the values of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future.
“Real Madrid is and will always be his home, and he wishes him and all his family the best in this new phase of his life.”
His exit comes just 24 hours after Real confirmed the exits of Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard, with a busy transfer window expected at the Bernabeu. Long-serving midfielders Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are also out of contract this summer.
Real are set to move for England midfielder Jude Bellingham, with his family reportedly looking for houses in the Spanish capital ahead of an expected switch from Borussia Dortmund.
Tottenham striker Harry Kane is also on their wishlist although he is likely to want to stay in the Premier League, while PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe has been a long-term target.
Real bring their La Liga campaign to a close when they take on Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabeu, and may have to claim victory to ensure second spot behind champions Barcelona.