Official: Karim Benzema signs for Al Ittihad

Official: Karim Benzema signs for Al Ittihad

Stephen Oladehinde 19:30 - 06.06.2023

Karim Benzema has officially signed a contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad after recently announcing his departure from Real Madrid.

The French international spent 14 years at Madrid and made 647 appearances, scored 353 goals and provided 165 assists.

He recently announced that he will be leaving Bernabeu at the end of the season and was waved goodbye by the fans and players.

The Ballon d’Or winner has now signed a contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad and he is set to join compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi League.

Former Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema in action
Former Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema in action

A new path for Benzema

Karim Benzema begins a new path in Saudi Arabia after spending 14 years and winning many trophies with Real Madrid.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Benzema has signed a contract with Al Ittihad and he is set to become their player ahead of next season.

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1666146566975914004?s=20

It is understood the contract signed will be valid until 2025 and will also include an option for another season.

According to Romano, Benzema will earn €200m in his first two years at his new club.

On Sunday night, Karim Benzema made his final appearance for Los Blancos and scored with his final touch in a 1-1 tie with Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabeu.

https://twitter.com/ittihad_en/status/1666145308760211459?s=20

Benzema waves goodbye to Madrid

The Madrid forward waved goodbye to the Madrid faithful on the last day of the season and will fly to Saudi Arabia to begin a new journey.

The French striker leaves a significant vacuum in the Real Madrid attack as well as a lasting legacy at the Santiago Bernabeu, bringing to a conclusion an exceptional career at the highest level.

He once received criticism for his finishing during his years at the Bernabeu, but he leaves the club as the second-highest scorer in its history, after Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, Real Madrid has already started looking for possible replacements for their captain and have set sight on Napoli forward Victor Osimhen and Tottenham striker Harry Kane.