Benzema set for SHOCK U-turn after huge Saudi offer

Tom Weber

• 1 Jun 2023 21:37 BST
• 3 min read

Karim Benzema is set to remain a Real Madrid player, according to Spanish media.

The Frenchman is out of contract this summer and there have been a lot of rumours about a potential departure. Earlier this week, the 35-year-old received a massive bid from Saudi Pro League giants and reigning champions Al-Ittihad worth more than €100 million per season.

Various outlets claimed that Benzema would accept this offer and schedule a press conference to make his decision public, but that has not materialised. On the contrary, in an interview with MARCA earlier today, the striker hit out at the rumours claiming he would leave.

READ: 'Internet is NOT reality!' - Benzema lashes out at Madrid exit rumours

"Speak to Madrid fans? Speak about what? Why speak of the future if I’m in Madrid," he said at the MARCA Leyenda ceremony. "Who’s speaking is [the] internet. The reality is not [the] internet."

Now, the same outlet reports that the Frenchman has made up his mind.

Benzema to stay

In the wake of Benzema's comments, MARCA reported that Benzema had not accepted the offer and opted to stay for another season with Real Madrid instead. A proposal to extend his deal for one more year had been on the table for a while and he appears keen to sign it.

Teammate Aurelien Tchouameni subsequently seemed to confirm the reporting with a cryptic tweet. Despite his age and fitness struggles, Benzema remains a vitally important part of Real Madrid's attack, hitting 30 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions this term.

READ: Modric makes BIG decision on Saudi Pro League transfer

Even with that news, Real Madrid will still be keen to bring in another striker to act as a back-up to Benzema. Prolific attacker Joselu, formerly of Stoke and Newcastle, is said to be close to joining Los Blancos on loan from relegated Espanyol.

Soon-to-be free agent Roberto Firmino is another name that has been linked with a move to the Bernabeu, but Benzema staying on board could complicate a move as the Brazilian is said to want to be a starter at his next club.