Karim Benzema signs for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad

Karim Benzema, the Ballon d’Or winner for Real Madrid, has committed to play for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia for the next three seasons.

Karim Benzema signs Al-Ittihad: The announcement comes the day after coach Carlo Ancelotti stated there was “no doubt” Benzema’s future was in the Spanish capital and days after Real Madrid revealed the 35-year-old was leaving the club after 14 seasons.

According to a Saudi club source who spoke to AFP, “Benzema has signed a contract for his transfer to Al-Ittihad for three years starting next season.”

If the transfer is approved, Benzema will join Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time world player of the year who transferred from Manchester United to Al Nassr after the 2018 World Cup in the Gulf nation.

Saudi Arabia has also emerged as another country linked to Lionel Messi’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain after two seasons with the club.

After Messi, 35, played his final match for PSG over the weekend, senior representatives from another Saudi Arabian club, Al Hilal, have rushed to France to attempt and finalize a deal for him, according to two individuals with knowledge of the situation spoke to AFP on Sunday.

The Saudi group intends to meet with Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, to expedite the signing process.

Benzema moved from Lyon of the Ligue 1 to Madrid in 2009.

His 354 goals rank second on Real’s all-time list of goal scorers; only Ronaldo has more. He played 648 times for Madrid.

He has won three Copa del Reys, four La Liga championships, and five Champions Leagues with Madrid.

However, despite having a remarkable 2021-22 season, leading Real to a Champions League triumph and winning the Ballon d’Or, injuries plagued him in the recently concluded campaign, preventing him from participating in France’s World Cup in Qatar due to a thigh issue.

Saudi Arabia Compiles List of Champions League and World Cup Winners for League Recruitment

According to a person familiar with the talks, Saudi Arabia has compiled a list of “more than 10” players who have won the Champions League or the World Cup that it hopes to recruit to its league.

Midfielder Luka Modric of Real Madrid and Croatia, keeper Hugo Lloris of Tottenham, and colleague N’Golo Kante of France are also on the list. All of them are nearing the conclusion of their careers.

The nation that produces the most oil in the world hopes to host the World Cup in 2030 or 2034 and is relying on the sport to help it shed its hard reputation, which has led to accusations of “sports washing” from rights organizations.

However, Real will bid goodbye to Benzema on Tuesday at a ceremony.