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Al-Ittihad announce signing of Karim Benzema from Real Madrid.
Al-Ittihad have officially confirmed the signing of Karim Benzema from Real Madrid.
The Frenchman had previously reached an agreement on a new deal at the Santiago Bernabeu but has been embroiled in a back-and-forth transfer controversy for the last week.
Benzema was said to be considering accepting an offer from the Saudi Pro League last week, according to rumours from all around Europe and Asia.
He first informed Florentino Perez, the club president of Real Madrid, that he intended to accept such a rich offer, but afterwards changed his mind and said, “The internet is not reality.”
Benzema and Real Madrid later announced their separation at the conclusion of the 2022–23 season, allowing the striker to join Saudi champions Al–Ittihad in yet another stunning U-turn.
Following a goodbye news statement on Tuesday, Benzema travelled to Saudi Arabia, where he has signed a three-year contract with Al-Ittihad.
“Benzema is here. A new tiger will roar. Welcome to Ittihad!” the club said in a statement on Twitter.
البنــز اتحادي ✍️🤩
🎼 الحظ الليلة كريم#Benzema2Ittihad#here2inspireKSA pic.twitter.com/YvsWFzebXF— نادي الاتحاد السعودي (@ittihad) June 6, 2023
Benzema departs Real Madrid as the club’s fifth-highest appearance holder (648) and second-highest scorer (354).
He scored his farewell goal for Los Blancos in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home against Athletic Club, capping up his 14-year tenure in Spain in style.
According to reports, Real Madrid will increase their interest in Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane in Benzema’s place. The England captain has one year left on his Spurs deal.