Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar set for a contract extension until 2024, announcement soon
Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema is set to extend his contract with the club until 2024, with an official announcement on the matter expected soon, reports MARCA.
The 34-year-old has enjoyed a sensational past year as he spearheaded Real Madrid to the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League double last season while also helping them win the Spanish Super Cup.
Benzema is all set to be named the UEFA Best Player of the Year award later today at the Champions League draw ceremony for the new season. The French international is also the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or this season.
It would nothing short of well-deserved for the French superstar, who had to play in the shadows of Cristiano Ronaldo for the majority of his career in Real Madrid. But, it is high time that his efforts and contributions get the recognition they deserve.
On top of that, Benzema will now sign a new contract with Real Madrid that will see his stay at the club get extended until the summer of 2024.
Named the club captain this season following the departure of Marcelo, the 34-year-old’s current deal runs out next year. And even though he will be turning 35 in a few months, the centre-forward remains a world-class operator and an extension seems a just reward.
An integral part of Carlo Ancelotti’s setup at the Santiago Bernabeu, Benzema has started the new season with two goals and an assist from three matches in all competitions, although he has looked a bit scratchy so far.
For Real Madrid to achieve the heights of last season again this term, they will need the Frenchman firing on all cylinders.
Real Madrid are back in the Champions League following their impressive win against Cadiz on the weekend as they host Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu for gameweek five.
They have already secured qualification to the round of 16, and even a point today would secure first place in the group.
With several players still injured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for his best available starting lineup, with Daniel Carvajal taking responsibility of the captain’s armband at right-back. He will be aided by Ferland Mendy, who starts on the other side.
Meanwhile, in between them, David Alaba returns to the fold as the starting centre-back, partnering Antonio Rudiger. This duo has the responsibility of screening Andriy Lunin, who continues in goal in Kepa and Thibaut Courtois’ absence.
With both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni out, Toni Kroos gets the chance to play as the holding midfielder for two games in a row. Federico Valverde retains his spot, as well, while Dani Ceballos comes in for the injured Luka Modric in central midfield.
Rodrygo will spearhead the team’s frontline as one of the two twin forwards, while Brahim Diaz gets the nod over Joselu. Jude Bellingham is the final, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, playing behind the front-two.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
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Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo
