Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar has turned down an offer from Saudi Arabia – report
Karim Benzema has been the backbone of Real Madrid’s attack for over a decade. His value to the Merengues‘ attack was overshadowed for a long time by the brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo, but recent seasons have shown what an impactful player the striker is in his own right.
The veteran suffered a difficult first half of the 2022/23 season but has turned around his performances in the last two weeks. Back-to-back hattricks against Real Valladolid and Barcelona announced his return on the big stage. Now, he is said to be more ready than ever for the final stage of the season.
According to reports from MARCA, Benzema has turned down an offer from Saudi Arabia for next season and is set to stay in the Spanish capital for one more season.
The striker’s current contract with Los Blancos expires at the end of the season and given his fitness woes, there was some skepticism about his continuity.
Benzema was also said to be considering the offer for a while now, which not only includes a move to Saudi Arabia but also the commencement of a new academy under Benzema’s name and image. Yet, he is currently unperturbed by the money on the table, at least for the next year.
The report goes on to talk about an unwritten law at Real Madrid that sees any player who wins the Ballon d’Or secure a renewal. Benzema is close to following the same tracks and talks will progress in the coming days.
The 35-year-old has already scored 14 goals and provided three assists in La Liga this season in just 18 appearances.
With the team now fighting on two fronts – the final of the Copa del Rey and the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League – Benzema’s form and fitness could make or break the season and his manager’s future.
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.
