Karim Benzema’s FIVE best Premier League options after leaving Real Madrid

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 4 Jun 2023 15:48 BST
• 5 min read

Karim Benzema’s future is half settled.

Following Real Madrid’s announcement on Sunday that the Ballon d’Or winner is leaving the Bernabeu club, it is clear where he won’t be next season. What is uncertain is where he will be.

Benzema has been closely linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League – where he would likely join Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on the way to a quiet retirement in the Gulf – but the France international has taken to social media to speak against such claims.

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He has previously hinted he could return to Lyon, but that looks unlikely given OL’s struggles, leaving the Premier League as an obvious solution for the 35-year-old striker.

There is a clutch of clubs in England’s top flight that would love to get their hands on such a proven goal scorer – particularly given that he will be available on a free transfer after his contract expires at the end of June.

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Benzema to make Premier League move?

Using the career advice tool of data analytics experts SciSports, it reveals that Liverpool would be Benzema’s best destination in the Premier League.

There is much at the Anfield club to get him excited, including a playing style and formation that resembles what he is used to at Real Madrid. On top of this, the low playing time score given to him by SciSports could well be increased given that Roberto Firmino will leave the club this summer.

Arsenal are an interesting option and come second, according to SciSports. Mikel Arteta’s system is even closer to that of Real Madrid than Liverpool, and though they do not score as highly in terms of potential development, at this stage of Benzema’s career, that is unlikely to be a major factor. What could be off putting, though, is the competition he would face from Gabriel Jesus.

Arsenal are seeking another striker, but it is likely to be someone to act as support to the former Manchester City man, although having such competition in attack would not necessarily be a bad thing.

Tottenham also score well, but would Benzema be happy going to the London club given their lack of European football? Furthermore, such a deal may hinge on the future of Harry Kane, who has been linked with Real Madrid.

Manchester City, meanwhile, are unlikely to be considered due to the presence of Erling Haaland and the lack of game time, while Manchester United must be considered a possibility in any race given that Erik ten Hag is seeking a centre-forward and may be willing to shuffle his squad sufficiently to make Benzema a centrepiece to their renovation. A potential lack of longevity could be an issue here.

And what of Chelsea? They rank 15th in Premier League clubs suitable for Benzema, so it’s probably best Mauricio Pochettino looks elsewhere for a striker.

There is no Premier League club that offers Benzema an obviously outstanding solution, but the door could be opened at any number of leading sides who would surely welcome such a talent to their ranks.