MX23RW : Thursday, November 7 13:30:34| >> :60:3273:3273:

Karim Benzema 'rejects Saudi Arabia move to stay at Real Madrid'

Karim Benzema 'rejects Saudi move to stay at Real Madrid'
© Reuters
Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema turns down a big-money move to Saudi Arabia to stay at Bernabeu for another season, according to a report.

Karim Benzema has reportedly rejected a big-money offer from Saudi Arabia, with the forward now set to remain with Real Madrid for the 2023-24 campaign.

The 35-year-old's existing deal with Los Blancos is due to expire at the end of June, and towards the end of last week, there was widespread speculation surrounding his future.

Benzema had allegedly made the decision to leave Bernabeu in order to move to Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ittihad placing a huge contract on the table.

However, the Frenchman played down rumours that he could depart at a press conference on Thursday, insisting that "the internet is not reality" amid the speculation.

Multiple well-placed sources had claimed that the forward had informed Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti and club president Florentino Perez of his desire to leave on a free transfer.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema after winning the Ballon d'Or on October 17, 2022© Reuters

However, according to Marca, Benzema has now decided to reject the offer from Saudi Arabia in order to spend the 2023-24 campaign with Real Madrid.

Los Blancos are yet to officially confirm a contract extension for the striker, but an announcement is expected in the near future, which will end the recent speculation.

The report claims that Benzema wants to leave Real Madrid 'in an honourable manner' next summer, and he could then arrive in Saudi Arabia to finish his professional career.

The Frenchman is said to be confident that he can perform at the top level for another season despite having injury problems during the 2022-23 campaign.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema scores their third goal from the penalty spot on April 5, 2023© Reuters

Benzema has scored 30 goals and registered six assists in 42 appearances for Real Madrid during the 2022-23 campaign, including 18 goals and three assists in La Liga.

The Frenchman is expected to recover from a foot injury to feature in his side's final game of the season against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday evening.

Real Madrid have won the UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup and Copa del Rey this term, but they fell short in both the Champions League and La Liga.

Despite Benzema's U-turn, Los Blancos are still planning to sign another forward this summer, with Mariano Diaz and Marco Asensio preparing to leave the club on free transfers.

Espanyol's Joselu, who has netted 16 La Liga goals this term, could allegedly join Ancelotti's side on loan for the 2023-24 campaign.

ID:515457:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4816:

Click here for more stories about Karim Benzema

Click here for more stories about Real Madrid

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their fourth goal to complete his hat-trick on April 5, 2023
Read Next:
Karim Benzema 'closing in on Al-Ittihad move'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!