Real Madrid could lose Karim Benzema in the summer with Ancelotti future uncertain

Suraj Radia

• 20 Feb 2023 16:12 GMT
• 2 min read

Karim Benzema’s future at Real Madrid could be in doubt, with the Ballon d’Or holder still yet to sign an extension to keep him at the club next season.

Benzema’s contract is set to expire in the summer and a renewal was believed to be a formality given the Frenchman’s standing with the club on the back of his best season ever last year.

However, Spanish outlet Relevo claims that Benzema staying at Real can’t be taken for granted, insisting that it is ‘no coincidence’ that neither the player or the club have yet to play down the fears over his future despite his status as a star player.

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The report suggests that, while Benzema is still ‘as friendly as ever’, he has become ‘more introverted’ and still ‘has something in his head’, with some inside the club seeing comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo’s attitude in his last season at Real.

Why has Benzema not committed his future to Real Madrid?

The doubts surrounding Benzema are believed to be centred around two core issues, the first being a ‘dizzying’ approach from Saudi Arabia for the 35-year-old that would see him earn €60 million across two years.

Benzema would be able to play for a Saudi club of his choice and would also be part of the country’s bid for the 2030 World Cup, while also having to pay no income tax, something which the striker finds ‘tempting’ given his age and recent injury issues.

However, the biggest issue is believed to be surrounding the future of manager Carlo Ancelotti, who reportedly could leave Real in the summer despite having one year remaining on his deal.

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Benzema has no desire to start from scratch with another coach as he ‘adores’ Ancelotti and cannot understand why the manager’s future is questioned after every setback despite having achieved the double last season.

Ancelotti has been linked with the Brazil job but it is believed that Benzema will only stay if his manager stays as the number nine is reluctant to take a bench role otherwise, believing it may lead to more injury issues.

Benzema has missed 13 games this season and the club accepts he has earned the right to decide on his fitness, however he is still unsatisfied at his situation on the whole, meaning his future could drag on into the coming months.