Real Madrid News
Benzema renews his Real Madrid contract, has asked club to strengthen attack
Real Madrid have triggered the automatic renewal in Karim Benzema’s contract, which will see him stay at the Santiago Bernabeu at least until June 2024, reports AS. The striker is aware that the next season will be his last at Madrid.
The end of his extended contract coincides with Endrick’s date of arrival, and while the Brazilian is expected to play an important role in the team from the get-go, Benzema has asked Madrid to reinforce their attack before that.
The former France international will remain linked to the club after his departure and potential retirement and has already started to play an influential role for Los Blancos off the pitch.
Benzema has been integral for Madrid for well over a decade at this point, scoring 90 Champions League goals in his career.
While he spent a large part of his career under the shadows of Cristiano Ronaldo, the 35-year-old has come to the fore as a superstar in his own right and a leader of the team over the past half a decade.
Benzema even won the Ballon d’Or last year after guiding Real Madrid to the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League trophy, scoring more than 40 goals across competitions in the process.
Benzema’s current contract with the Merengues was set to expire this summer. However, there were any doubts about his continuity due to the existence of the ‘Ballon d’Or clause’ in his deal which will automatically trigger a one-year extension.
And Benzema and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez have reached an agreement to activate that clause and prolong his stay at the Bernabeu for another year.
A legendary figure at the club, Benzema will be turning 36 years old later this year. And, even though Real Madrid will have Endrick at their disposal in 2024, it would be in their best interests to sign another accomplished striker to take over from the Frenchman.
The name of Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland has been doing the rounds, although the Cityzens are now working to extend his contract to stave off interest from the Merengues.
Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Benzema, Kane, Fran Garcia, Ceballos ahead of Real Madrid vs Athletic Club
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has said that club captain Karim Benzema is ready to play his side’s last league game against Athletic Club while also citing that one must not forget that the Frenchman still has one more year left on his current deal.
Speaking ahead of Madrid’s final game of the 2022/23 season, the manager spoke on several aspects, including the team’s transfer plans, Benzema’s future and his own continuity.
When asked about Benzema, the manager said (h/t SPORT), “Benzema is ready to play tomorrow, he’s recovered.” He went on to add, “I agree with Benzema. Internet is not the reality. He has another year on his contract. I think it’s clear.”
At the same time, he subsequently admitted that Benzema is mostly on his way out. “The legends of this club have to retire at Real Madrid. This is what I believe and what the club believes. But the player maybe doesn’t think the same.”
In terms of the squad for the upcoming game, he mentioned, “We want to say goodbye to our fans. They’re all ready to play. Only Mariano won’t be there, the others are fine. We want to finish in the best possible way. Then we’ll rest and prepare for next season.”
Meanwhile, Benzema’s potential departure would mean Madrid will look to sign a new number 9. In this regard, Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is said to be on the list and while addressing the same, the Italian said,
“Harry Kane? I’m sure you all are curious to see what will happen next season. But Kane is a Tottenham player and we have to respect this.”
He went on to add, “I think we’re going to have a different squad [next season]. There are players whose contracts are running out, but it will be a competitive squad and one that makes me very excited.”
Furthermore, the manager also confirmed that he will be at Real Madrid next season. “I’m happy at Real Madrid. No problems with the club. I’m very happy to continue and we will try to do better next season.”
Madrid’s main man also went on to admit that he cannot make everyone in the squad happy.
“It is true that some have had little prominence, but I have tried to keep all the players motivated. It is impossible to keep them all happy. Sometimes you have to put up with that discontent from the players. I feel that there are some who have played very little.”
Speaking about the plan for the next season, he added, “Next year’s squad will be very competitive. Obviously there are contracts that expire and there will be different players. But it will be competitive.”
“Yes, it’s true — Fran García will be our first signing,” Ancelotti confirmed, but refused to talk about Brahim Diaz’s potential arrival.
“Brahim Díaz? I can’t say anything on him right now, I can’t comment…”.
He also revealed that the likes of Nacho and Dani Ceballos will decide their own fate. “They know what we think of them. I think they have everything very clear. They are waiting for the end of the season to decide what they want to do. Everything is in their hands.”
When asked about Brahim Diaz, he simply said, “I can’t talk about him right now.”
Lastly, when asked how much would he rate the 2022/23 season, he said, “It’s difficult to rate yourself. What I can say is that it’s been a very long season. We’ve worked hard and sometimes I haven’t always been able to transmit a very high level of motivation.
“It’s not It’s easy to motivate every three days. I’ve given everything I could give. I put myself on a positive note, but next year I’m going to do better,” he concluded.
