Real Madrid News
Al Ittihad player drops massive hint about Benzema’s Real Madrid exit: “We are very excited”
According to reports, Karim Benzema has complete freedom to choose a club and city of his choice if he moves to Saudi Arabia. The Frenchman is on the verge of announcing his exit from Real Madrid, with Al Ittihad very close to signing him.
One of the contenders that has emerged as a prime option in recent hours is Al-Ittihad. As revealed by Al Ittihad aggregator Itti Mania, the Saudi-based club’s player Helder Costa openly spoke about the possibility of Karim Benzema joining and even went on to indirectly confirm the move.
“We are very excited about the arrival of the Balon d’Or winner (Benzema).”
Further, a fan of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side showed an edit of Benzema donning the club’s yellow-and-black colours during their title celebrations earlier this week.
Image: An Al-Ittihad fan showed a Karim Benzema edit on the big screen during their title celebrations. pic.twitter.com/UY28bbMGAc
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) May 31, 2023
Al-Ittihad currently sit atop the Saudi Professional League standings with 69 points in 29 games. They are five points above second-placed Al-Nassr, and with one game to go, already have the title in their bag.
The Saudi-based team has scored 58 goals and conceded just 13 in their campaign so far and has even qualified for the AFC Champions League. If Benzema is to join the club next season, he could well make them the favourites to lift the continental championship.
With Benzema’s announcement imminent, officials hope to complete his move to the Saudi league as early as tomorrow. The veteran will still have the luxury to opt for a destination of his choice, but Al-Ittihad’s open flirting with Benzema could imply that he has already made his pick.
In 23 La Liga appearances for Los Blancos this season, the Frenchman has scored 18 goals and provided three assists.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify €60m-rated Brighton defender as potential 2027 transfer target – report
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Brighton & Hove Albion defender Luka Vuskovic as they assess options to strengthen their defence ahead of the 2027 transfer windows.
According to Bernabeu Digital, the Croatian centre-back is among the players under consideration as Los Blancos plan for a potential defensive overhaul in the summer of 2027.
The interest comes as Real Madrid prepare for possible departures at centre-back.
On that note, Raul Asencio could be moved on, while Antonio Rudiger is expected to leave when his contract expires.
The club therefore wants to recruit at least one high-quality defender to reinforce the squad for the long term.
Vuskovic, whose market value, as per Transfermarkt, is estimated €60 million, is attracting attention from several major European clubs, although Brighton are understood to have no intention of selling the 19-year-old.
Luka Vuskovic emerges as Real Madrid transfer target
According to Bernabeu Digital, Real Madrid are monitoring Vuskovic as they search for a centre-back capable of strengthening their defensive options.
The Croatian has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester United, while Tottenham are also keeping track of a player they sold last summer.
Understandably so, the competition for his signature could make any potential deal difficult, particularly with Brighton reluctant to part ways with the defender.
At Real Madrid, they are assessing several candidates, with their priority being to identify players who can provide quality and long-term stability.
Real Madrid consider two centre-back signings for 2027
As such, Real Madrid are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing in two centre-backs across the upcoming transfer windows.
Vuskovic is one potential option, while Alessandro Bastoni remains another name associated with the club’s defensive plans.
Bastoni was a target for Real Madrid last summer, and despite failing to land the Italian, his profile continues to fit the type of reinforcement being considered.
Notably, the potential exits of Asencio and Rudiger would leave Madrid needing fresh depth and experience at centre-back, and recruiting early could help the club avoid entering a transfer window without a clear succession plan.
