Karim Benzema Al Ittihad: Striker signs contract until 2025 to seal Saudi transfer

The Karim Benzema Al Ittihad transfer is now done. 

The striker has now been presented as a new signing for Al Ittihad, a day after his Real Madrid farewell.

The Saudi Club made the offer to him prior to their game against Sevilla, and due to the immense financial compensation offered, it has emerged to be a deal that is simply too good to turn down for the number 9. 

In their last game of the 2022/23 La Liga season, Benzema scored a penalty to make it 1-1. And he left the pitch to a hero’s reception in the 74th minute. He has already reached an agreement with the Saudi club, and will soon travel there to finalise the transfer. 

Benzema has signed a contract until 2026 with the option for a further year. He will receive a massive financial compensation worth around €200 million, and will have almost complete influence over his image rights. Moreover, the player will also receive tax benefits and will also be accomodated in a luxurious space for him and his family. 

The club captain received an emotional sendoff from the fans, and will make his stance clear in a press conference on June 6. The transfer could be announced the day after the press conference in order to be respectful with Real Madrid, and to put an end to speculation. 

Karim Benzema Al Ittihad transfer confirmed: What’s next? 

Following the Karim Benzema Al Ittihad transfer, Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Real Madrid will be looking into the transfer market to sign a replacement. The likes of Harry Kane, Roberto Firmino and Victor Osimhen have been linked with a transfer, but nothing has been confirmed yet. 

The Frenchman arrived in the massive summer of 2009, when Madrid went on a spending spree to sign some of the best talents in the world. 

He has played 643 games for Los Blancos and has become their second highest goalscorer of all-time, with 353 goals, only behind his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. In addition, he is the club’s highest assist provider of all-time, with 165 to his name. 

He has also tied the club record for the most trophies won at 25, alongside Marcelo. And having won the 2022 Ballon d’Or, he has truly risen to the top of club football. Now, he will be ending his illustrious chapter as one of the greatest strikers of Real Madrid to pursue a new challenge. 

Benzema was often criticised for several reasons during his first few seasons with the club. But he eventually silenced his doubters and has now established himself as an icon for the history books. 

The Karim Benzema Al Ittihad move will see the striker follow his former teammate, Ronaldo, as one of the top players to make the move to Saudi Arabia. The Gulf State has made massive financial offers to big names such as Lionel Messi, Luka Modric and more. And with their sports vision developing, more and more star players are expected to leave Europe to pursue the immense financial compensation presented by them.