Real Madrid News
Official: Karim Benzema leaves Real Madrid
The final decision has been made. Karim Benzema has decided to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season on a free transfer, after a brilliant 14 years, laiden with multiple trophies, as confirmed by the club.
“Karim Benzema came to our club in 2009, when he was only 21 years old, and has been a fundamental player in this golden age of our history,” the official statement read about the player.
The Frenchman has had one foot out of the Santiago Bernabeu since the start of the week, when rumours about Saudi Arabia’s mammoth came in. Al-Ittihad have offered the player upwards of €400 million for his signature across two years, including other benefits.
Benzema took his time before making the final decision, and had even hinted at continuing at the club, but it seems Real Madrid could not convince him to stay.
The statement also confirms that Madrid will host a farewell ceremony for Benzema next Tuesday, June the 6th. He will play his final match for Real Madrid today, as they host Athletic Club at home.
Even though Real Madrid have strengthened their defensive line significantly over the past two summers, they are still looking for more reinforcements.
Jose Mourinho was already pushing for another centre-back signing this past summer despite signing Ibrahima Konate. But Raul Asencio’s refusal to leave meant that there was no other addition made.
However, heading into 2027, Los Blancos intend to sign another centre-back, given that Antonio Rudiger’s contract expires at the end of the season and is unlikely to be renewed.
Moreover, Eder Militao’s continued fitness issues are also a cause of concern, prompting the Merengues to explore the possibility of bringing in another centre-half.
And, as already reported, Jarell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen has emerged as an option for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid regularly scouting Quansah
Building on that, journalist Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany reports that Real Madrid have been regularly scouting Quansah this season.
It goes to further underline that the Spanish capital side seem to hold a genuine interest in the 23-year-old England international, who can play both at centre-back and right-back.
Quansah has become a permanent fixture in the defensive line at Leverkusen since his move to the Bundesliga from Liverpool in 2025.
The young defender was also a part of the England national team that finished third at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and has nine caps for the Three Lions.
Stiff competition for Quansah
However, as per the report, Real Madrid are not the only club showing an interest in Quansah.
Indeed, Premier League champions Arsenal and fellow London club Chelsea are also closely monitoring the 23-year-old England international at Leverkusen.
Moreover, Quansah’s boyhood club, Liverpool, are also keeping a close eye on his development. After all, the Reds have a buyback clause worth €70 million for their academy product, which is valid until 15 June 2027.
A promising, young defender with plenty of potential and room for development, Quansah can be an exciting long-term addition for Real Madrid.
However, as per reports, some within the club hierarchy believe that the team could do with more experienced options to bolster the backline. So, it remains to be seen how things progress and whether the interest in Quansah develops into an offer.
