Sports sources have revealed that Al-Ittihad Club in Saudi Arabia has made an enticing offer to French star Karim Benzema, Real Madrid’s striker, to join them during the current summer transfer window. The offer includes a two-year contract with an annual salary of 200 million euros, in addition to massive bonuses and financial incentives.
The sources confirmed that Benzema has expressed his admiration for the offer and intends to agree to it in the coming days, thus moving to the Saudi Professional League in a shocking deal that shakes the foundations of European football.
Details of the anticipated deal
It is expected that Al-Ittihad will pay 50 million euros as compensation to Real Madrid, in exchange for terminating Benzema’s contract, which extends until 2023. Benzema will also receive a monthly salary of up to 25 million euros, in addition to incentives worth up to 100 million euros, if he achieves certain goals and achievements with the Saudi team.
Reports indicate that Benzema will become the highest-paid player in the world, surpassing big stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mixed reactions
The anticipated deal has sparked mixed reactions in the global sports community. On the one hand, Anmar Al-Haili, President of Al-Ittihad Club, expressed his great happiness at the imminent joining of Benzema to the team, considering it a “historic achievement for Saudi football.”
Al-Haili said in press statements: “We are proud of our ability to attract global stars to the Saudi league, and this confirms the prestigious status that our league has reached, and contributes to raising the level of competition and excitement.”
On the other hand, Real Madrid expressed its sadness at losing one of its brightest stars in recent years. Florentino Perez, the club’s president, said in an official statement: “We thank Karim Benzema for the wonderful years he spent with us, and for the great achievements he achieved. We wish him success in his next career.”
Benzema’s achievements with Real Madrid
Benzema began his career with Real Madrid in 2009, coming from Lyon in France, and since then he has provided outstanding performances with the royal team, and contributed to achieving many titles and achievements.
During the 12 seasons he spent with Real Madrid, Benzema succeeded in scoring 303 goals in 595 matches in all competitions, becoming the second-best scorer in the club’s history after Raul Gonzalez.
Benzema also won 25 titles with Real Madrid, including 5 Champions League titles