Karim Benzema to sign with Saudi side Al-Ittihad on a two-year deal after Real Madrid exit: Report

Karim Benzema has reportedly signed a 2-year contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al Itthad after leaving Real Madrid. Al Itthad are the reigning Saudi Pro League champions and Benzema will also face former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr.

Benzema’s 14-year La Liga career came to an end when Real Madrid did not activate the 1-year extension clause in his contract. As per ‘The Guardian’, his contract with Al Ittihad would include a one-year extension option. According to the report, the Frenchman has already signed the contracts and just an official announcement is pending.

With Real Madrid, Benzema won 4 La Liga titles and 5 UEFA Champions League titles. During the 2021-22 UCL season, he was a talismanic figure for his team as they won the trophy in a dramatic way. In addition, he won 3 Copa del Reys, 3 Supercopa de Espana titles, 4 UEFA Super Cups, and 5 FIFA Club World Cups.

He was at his best during the 2021–22 season, winning the 2022 Ballon d’Or and being named the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year for that campaign. With 350 goals, he is also second all-time in scoring for Real Madrid. On Tuesday in Madrid, he will hold a farewell press conference. He also scored a goal in his final game against Athletic Bilbao.