Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema officially joins Al-Ittihad on a 2-year deal with an option for further season. Benzema was heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabian club since last week.
The French striker played his last game against Athletic Club and scored his 354th goal for Real Madrid. The Santiago Bernabeu paid tribute to their legend.
He now joins his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo made a move from Manchester United to Al-Nassr in January. The pair will face-off against each other in the Saudi Pro League.
Benzema’s new club Al-Ittihad also won the SPL in the 2022-23 season. His contract will run until 2025-26, and the Frenchman will earn around €200 million per year.
Karim Benzema joins Al-Ittihad after Real Madrid departure
The French forward was expected to extend his contract with Los Blancos this summer. But he opted to leave the club.
In a video posted on Al-Ittihad’s social media accounts, Benzema said, “I am exited to see you in Jeddah”. He continued, “It is a new challenge for me. It’s a good league, and there are many good players. Cristiano Ronaldo is already here, he is a friend who shows that Saudi Arabia is starting to get ahead, and I am here to win, as I did in Europe”.
The forward will be unveiled in front of the fans in Jeddah on Wednesday, and he will be joined by more superstars this summer.
Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Sergio Busquets and N’Golo Kante as well, may join the SPL this summer.
The 35-year-old had a brilliant spell at Los Blancos, winning 25 trophies, which is the joint most with Brazilan left-back Marcelo.
