June 6 – Star French striker Karim Benzema is set to join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s highest-paid players after his Real Madrid exit was confirmed.
According to Saudi sources quoted by agencies, Al Ittihad will pay Benzema more than €100 million a year for either two or three seasons.
On Sunday, Real Madrid said the 35-year-old Ballon d’Or winner will leave the club as a free agent after 14 trophy-laden years.
Benzema’s contract expires at the end of June and he has reportedly opted not to take up the offer of an extension and instead move to the Saudi Pro League where he is expected to pen a deal with the newly crowned champions
A statement on the Real website, confirming the news of Benzema’s impending departure, read: “Real Madrid Football Club and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close.”
The news has inevitably led to growing speculation that Real will pounce for England captain and Tottenham ace marksman Harry Kane as a replacement.
Tottenham’s record goalscorer, Kane has never won a trophy at the club and has one year left on his contract. He has bagged 213 Premier League goals – 47 shy of the all-time record – but turns 30 next month and Real are reported to be eying up a £100 million offer to take him to Spain.
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