Real Madrid News
Ligue 1 club president ‘dreams’ of re-signing Real Madrid superstar: “He’s a symbol”
Speaking to RMC Sport (h/t Foot Mercato), Olympique Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has admitted that he dreams of re-signing Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema and would be prepared to take any risks needed to make it happen if there is even a slim possibility.
Benzema came through the youth ranks at Lyon where he attained stardom at a very young age. And in 2009, Real Madrid came calling for the French striker, who has just gone from strength to strength ever since.
Already a legend at the Santiago Bernabeu, Benzema enjoyed a sensational campaign in 2021/22, which ended with him winning the coveted Ballon d’Or award last year.
However, the 35-year-old has been plagued by injury and fitness issues this season, which has hampered Real Madrid on the pitch.
The Los Blancos captain is in the final few months of his contract at the club and even though reports suggest that he has agreed a one-year extension, there has been no official word as of yet and the possibility of him leaving, even if very remote, still exists.
And, if there is such a chance, Aulas claimed that he would love to take Benzema back to Lyon.
“I dream about it every day, but it’s complicated. We’ll try. The more he succeeds at Real Madrid… I was watching the game against Barça yesterday, losing 2-1. Some people didn’t think he was at his best, but I thought he was very good,” said Aulas.
“If we had the possibility and a small chance to bring him back, we would do it by taking all the risks. He’s a symbol.”
Prior to his move to Real Madrid, Benzema played 148 matches for Lyon, scoring 66 goals in the process. The striker returned to his hometown club last year after winning the Ballon d’Or and was given a rapturous ovation from the fans at the Groupama Stadium.
However, a possibility of a return in a playing capacity looks unlikely as Benzema has previously stated that he intends to retire at Real Madrid.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
