Karim Benzema close to leaving Real Madrid to join Saudi club Al Ittihad

Benzema would earn more than €100m per year.

Karim Benzema’s future could be at Saudi club Al Ittihad. According to sources at the club, the agreement with the French striker is close to being finalised. It is now up to Benzema and Real Madrid to make the move official.

Al Ittihad are the current champions of the Saudi league and are coached by Nuno Espirito Santo, who played at Deportivo, Osasuna and Merida and also coached Valencia.

For months, the Saudi Arabian government has been working on signing Benzema and everything appears to indicate that they have finally managed to convince him. Benzema has even spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo about the league and life in the country. Benzema would, in principle, sign a two-year contract and his salary would be in excess of €100m tax-free per season.

The Madrid No 9 met with his agent in Madrid this afternoon. As soon as his departure is confirmed, he will put an end to 14 seasons as a Real Madrid player. He has played 647 games for the club, scoring 353 goals and providing 165 assists.