Benzema informs Los Blancos about his desire to join Saudi outfit Al-Ittihad

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema (35) has informed Los Blancos of his desire to join Saudi side Al-Ittihad, according to a report from Foot Mercato. 

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner looked set to extend his stay in the Spanish capital for a further year. But Benzema is now expected to put pen to paper over a two-year contract worth €200m with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad. 

Fabrizio Romano revealed on Wednesday that the Saudi offer came through last week, with Real Madrid aware of the situation.

The outlet reports that La Casa Blanca seem to have been caught off-guard and did not expect to part ways with their long-serving striker as early as next summer. 

Los Blancos are reportedly willing to convince Benzema to change his mind over joining Al-Ittihad. Should Benzema leave Real Madrid in the coming weeks, it is widely expected that the 2022 Champions League winners would dip into the market for a striker.