Karim Benzema has penned down a $200m per-year deal with Saudi champions Al Ittihad as he joins the same league as former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
After many days of speculation, Benzema finally announced that he will leave Real Madrid and now yesterday he made a deal with the Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad official.
According to Fabrizio Romano, The deal will be an initial two-year deal with an option to continue for one more. He will be paid a handsome amount of $200m per year making him one of the highest-paid players on the planet.
Official, confirmed. Karim Benzema joins Al Ittihad on two year deal with option for further season. 🟡⚫️🇸🇦 #AlIttihad
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 6, 2023
Benzema will earn almost €200m per season net salary, commercial deals included. pic.twitter.com/vSrkL4zjJI
In the press conference of the announcement, Benzema was seen holding the black and yellow jersey of the club. He was also quoted as saying, “I am excited to experience a new football league in a different country. Al-Ittihad Club has an amazing history, incredibly passionate fans, and big ambitions in football to be a force in Asia after winning the league.”
Karim Benzema Real Madrid career
Karim Benzema is one of Real Madrid’s best players ever and the most decorated footballer in their history.
The Frenchman first joined the club in 2009, in a window that also saw the inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kaka to the club. He came from Olympique Lyon for a €35m fee.
At Real Madrid, he became part of the dangerous front trio BBC along with Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. Together they won 4 Champions League and 3 in a row, becoming part of history.
After Ronaldo left in 2018 and Bale dipped in form, Benzema stepped up as a leader. He single-handedly won the club many crucial games. He was a major part as they overcame all odds to win the Champions League again last season. Benzema even won the Balon d’Or for his efforts, cementing his status as a great player.:focal(988x825:990x823)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2022/05/29/3383033-69140928-2560-1440.jpg)
He then became the captain of the team when Marcelo left last season.
In 14 years, the 35-year-old scored 354 goals in 648 appearances for the club. He also had 165 assists during that time. This makes him Madrid’s fifth all-time appearance maker, their second all-time top scorer, and their all-time top assist provider.
He is their most decorated player with Marcelo with 25 trophies. He has won the Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup each 5 times, La Liga, UEFA Super Cup, and the Spanish Super Cup each 4 times, and the Copa Del Rey three times.
How will Saudi Pro League benefit from all the superstar signings?
The Saudi regime is planning to include as many top-class players and other personalities in their league to portray a positive image of the country. All of this is to boost their league’s overall reputation and also to promote tourism and increase revenue and fame. But their main aim is to increase their chances of winning the bid for the 2030 World Cup.
