Real Madrid News
Saudi Arabia officials wish to finalise Benzema move by Thursday
Karim Benzema’s stocks at Real Madrid might have only truly risen after Cristiano Ronaldo’s move away from the club. While the Portuguese star may have overshadowed the striker for a long time, the former Lyon star has been one of the team’s most impactful players year after year since his move in 2009.
The nearly 14-year-long association appears to be close to coming to an end ahead of the summer transfer window. An irresistible offer from Saudi Arabia has Benzema seriously contemplating his next step, and he now looks dangerously close to leaving.
According to reports from Di Marzio, the veteran is moving away from Real Madrid with every passing minute. A turnaround, at this point, appears to be a tall ask.
The officials in Saudi Arabia hope to conclude Benzema’s signing as early as Thursday. Their optimism, needless to say, provides a strong indication of how advanced the talks have progressed.
It appears that Sunday’s game against Athletic Club could well be the Frenchman’s final game in the white colours as it stands.
However, it remains to be seen whether an official announcement will be made by the weekend and the administration organise a farewell at Santiago Bernabeu.
Benzema will reportedly have the freedom to choose any club and any city in Saudi Arabia to represent in the league. In addition to the €400 million payslip for two seasons, some of the perks he will have include a complete claim over his image rights and a complete rebate on taxes.
The Frenchman spent the better part of the 2022-23 season struggling with injuries and form. Yet, he currently stands on 18 goals and three assists in 23 games and has been critical in the team’s run in all competitions.
His departure will leave a large void in Ancelotti’s squad, and some of the names suggested to replace him include Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen. However, a cheaper option with a big signing in 2024 now appears more likely.
Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
