Karim Benzema was the latest superstar to ditch European football to move to Saudi club Al Ittihad. The Real Madrid striker followed in the footsteps of ex-teammate Cristiano Ronaldo to move to the growing league.
Following his move there, Al Ittihad, who won the 2023 Saudi Pro League is still strengthening the squad. They have also brought Benzema’s national teammate N’Golo Kante from Chelsea and Jota from Scottish club Celtic. They also have Nuno Espirito Santo as manager, who formerly managed Wolverhampton Wolves and Tottenham in the Premier League.
Karim Benzema’s unique sightseeing experience with Hawks
Already, the duo of Karim Benzema and Kante are enjoying their best life in the new country. The pair were part of a sightseeing tour held on Wednesday in the desert. Both of them were seen holding hawks, a common bird kept as pets in the Arab nation.
Kante had a hawk stand where the peculiar bird was sitting calmly. The former Chelsea midfielder was seen smiling the whole time. Benzema then came and instructed Kante to pet the bird by rubbing its belly, which the latter did so. Benzema was also smiling and was clapping at Kante’s efforts.
Kante and Benzema are both enjoying the sights in Saudi 🦅🇸🇦pic.twitter.com/fFZiPTVq9x
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) July 26, 2023
Kante then gave the bird to its rightful owner, who was happy to share the moment with two of soccer’s big stars. It was nice to see both of them having a good moment together in their new country.
How much did Al Ittihad offer Benzema?
Benzema arrived for a free transfer from Real Madrid, where he did have a verbal agreement to renew his contract. But after the Saudi club offered him this contract, he decided to part ways.
The lucrative contract is said to be over $200m per season, with a two-year deal, with an option to renew for one more. He will also get some life benefits there, with a tax exemption and his own image rights. Benzema will also be made an official ambassador for the country’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup. Furthermore, he will schools and a hospital built in his name there.
Karim Benzema has already played for the club in their pre-season games. The Balon d’Or winner is expected to make his official debut tonight with Kante. Al Ittihad plays away to ES Tunis as part of the Arab Club Champions Cup. The competition is played by Arab clubs who play first in a group stage and later in a knockout stage. They could then make their Saudi league debut on August 14, when they play Al Raed.
