Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad are expected to sign Karim Benzema on a two-year deal from Real Madrid, Saudi state broadcaster Al Ekhbariya reported on Sunday.
Benzema is set to move to the kingdom after Real Madrid announced earlier on Sunday that the French international will leave the La Liga club after 14 years as a free agent.
Al Ekhbariya said Al Ittihad's chairman and vice chairman had travelled to Madrid to negotiate a "record deal" with the 35-year-old striker.
Benzema is one of the most decorated players in Real Madrid history, and the current Ballon d'Or and Uefa Player of the Year. He leaves the club as its second all-time scorer with 353 goals.
During his 14 years at the Bernabeu, Benzema helped the club to win five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles, along with five Club World Cups and three Copa del Reys.
"Real Madrid and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club. Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for who is already one of our greatest legends," the club said in a statement.
"Karim Benzema's career at Real Madrid has been an example of behaviour and professionalism, and has represented the values of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future."
Benzema will now follow former Real teammate Cristiano Ronaldo to the kingdom by joining Pro League champions Al Ittihad, who secured the title ahead of Ronaldo's Al Nassr, next season.
Earlier, Portuguese superstar Ronaldo had said he is happy in Saudi Arabia and hopes other big-name players will follow him to the league.
Ronaldo signed a mega deal reported to be worth more than $200 million a year. Since then, other stars have been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Argentina star Lionel Messi could soon finalise a similarly big move to Al Hilal. Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Angel Di Maria, N’Golo Kante and Sadio Mane are also said to be considering a move to the kingdom.
Benzema's final appearance for Real Madrid could be on Sunday when they host Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.
Madrid confirmed on Saturday that Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Mariano Diaz are all departing this summer, too, leaving plenty of space for new acquisitions.
-
Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema receives the Ballon d'Or award during the Ballon d'Or ceremony at Theatre Du Chatelet in Paris on October 17, 2022 in Paris. Getty Images -
Karim Benzema receives the Ballon d'Or award from Zinedine Zidane next to his mother Malika Benzema, his son Ibrahim and his father Hafid Benzema. Getty Images -
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba speak on stage during the Ballon d'Or ceremony at Theatre Du Chatelet in Paris. Getty Images -
Karim Benzema receives the Ballon d'Or award from Zinedine Zidane next to his mother Malika Benzema, his son Ibrahim and his father Hafid Benzema. Getty Images -
Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, right, applauds Karim Benzema after receiving the Ballon d'Or award. Getty Images -
Karim Benzema gives a thumbs up. Getty Images -
Karim Benzema of Real Madrid kisses his father Hafid Benzema next to his mother Wahida Djebbara. EPA -
Didier Drigba, Zinedine Zidane, Karim Benzema and French-British TV journalist Sandy Heribert. EPA -
Real Madrid's Karim Benzema after winning the Ballon d'Or. Reuters -
Real Madrid's Karim Benzema hugs former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane after winning the Ballon d'Or with former player and manager Zinedine Zidane. Reuters -
Real Madrid's Karim Benzema after winning the Ballon d'Or. Reuters
