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 youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
