Real Madrid News
Benzema given freedom to choose any Saudi Arabian club by the government – report
El Mundob (h/t Madrid Xtra) brings to light some staggering details about the offer made by Saudi Arabia to Karim Benzema for a move in June. Considering the perks and details of the deal, one will not find the Frenchman’s dilemma absurd any longer.
Real Madrid indeed offer him the luxury of competitive football at the highest level and the chance to pursue the UEFA Champions League for another season. Given the age of the player, however, there is a point where one opts for financial security over sporting success, especially for one who has won it all.
It is already known that the Middle east based league offers him a contract for two seasons that is worth a gargantuan €400 million. The Spanish outlet adds intricate details about the financial perks and freedom that Benzema could enjoy next season.
The report states that the Ballon d’Or winner will have to pay no taxes on his wage, for starters. Further, he will be entitled to 100% of his image rights and the revenue it generates in addition to the commercial deals he signs up for.
In what is a rather rare proposal, Benzema can choose to join any club in any city of his choice in the Saudi League. Further, he will be provided with any luxuries that he demands during his tenure in Saudi Arabia.
Such an offer would tempt any player from anywhere across the globe. It would in fact come as a surprise if Benzema opted to reject such a lucrative offer and stay at Real Madrid.
The striker is expected to make an official announcement regarding his future by Sunday. At this point, however, the chance of him continuing look bleak, and Florentino Perez might as well begin planning for next season without him.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid full-back never considered summer exit, would retire at club if given chance
Ferland Mendy finds himself in a difficult situation at Real Madrid. The Frenchman has struggled with injury and fitness woes for a large part of the past year, leading to doubts over his future at the club.
In fact, it had been reported that Los Blancos were considering selling Mendy during the summer transfer window earlier this year itself.
But, such a move did not materialise and the 28-year-old has stayed put at the Santiago Bernabeu although reports suggest that he is likely to be on the move next year.
Mendy would retire at Real Madrid if he could
Despite there having been numerous reports about his future in the summer, The Athletic reports that Mendy did not consider the possibility of an exit at any point.
In fact, the report adds that if given a chance, the 28-year-old defender would retire at Real Madrid.
Mendy’s contract with Los Merengues expires in 2025 and he is understood to be seeking a renewal for a while now, but there has been no move made by the club.
The injuries that the 28-year-old has picked up are understood to be a major deterrent for Real Madrid, which is why they are already looking to reinforce the left-back position with Alphonso Davies next year.
Mendy enjoys Ancelotti’s trust
Despite the non-stop speculations surrounding him, Mendy continues to enjoy the full trust of manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Indeed, as per the report, the Italian tactician has informed the Frenchman that he is the left-back that best fits the defensive requirements needed in the team.
Ancelotti’s decision to bench Fran Garcia in the UEFA Champions League game even though Mendy was unavailable and start David Alaba at left-back was taken as an indicator within the dressing room that the Frenchman remains the first-choice in the position.
So, it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds over the coming months, especially with Ancelotti’s future also uncertain as his contract expires in 2024.
