Man Utd offer ‘crazy’ salary to Benzema after Real Madrid ‘betrayal’

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 16 Dec 2022 14:43 GMT
• 2 min read

Manchester United are looking to take advantage of uncertainty surrounding the future of Karim Benzema at Real Madrid by offering the Ballon d’Or winner a ‘crazy’ salary.

A report in Spanish outlet Nacional claims that talks between Benzema and Real are ‘paralysed’, with the club concerned over the striker’s recent injury issues.

The stall in negotiations has ‘bothered’ Benzema, with Nacional stating Real’s ‘betrayal’ has caused the 34-year-old to consider other offers, having previously ruled out a departure from the club.

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Benzema is free to talk to clubs in January after entering the last six months of his contract and Paris Saint-Germain have joined United in making an offer for the Frenchman that is ‘significantly higher’ than what he currently earns in Madrid.

The salary offered by United is called ‘crazy’ by Nacional, who say the Premier League side have assured Benzema that he would be an ‘undisputed starter’, with the presence of former Madridistas Casemiro and Raphael Varane at Old Trafford also thought to work in their favour.

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United are willing to splash out on a new striker after reportedly saving between £15-20 million on wages after terminating the contract of Cristiano Ronaldo without compensation.

Erik ten Hag has admitted he would like to sign a new forward during the January transfer window following Ronaldo’s exit which leaves just Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford as the club’s only recognised senior strikers.

The club have explored the possibility of signing Cody Gakpo after his impressive World Cup, having passed up the opportunity to sign him in the summer, but the PSV star will likely cost around £60m.

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United are thought to be limited on their funds for January despite Ronaldo’s departure, having spent more than £200m in the summer on the likes of Antony, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez.

A move for Benzema would not be possible until his contract expires in the summer, meaning United would likely see out the rest of the season with their current squad if they wish to pursue the Madrid man.

However, with the likes of Joao Felix, Goncalo Ramos and Youssoufa Moukoko also being considered, speculation linking Benzema to Old Trafford could simply be a negotiating tactic from the player’s side to force pressure on Real to hand the striker a new deal.