Karim Benzema, former Galactico descends on Saudi Arabia with Al Ittihad signing

Saudi Arabia professional football club Al-Ittihad have agreed terms to sign former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema.

Benzema, who has had a 14-year history with the Spanish club has agreed to join Ittihad on an initial three-year contract.

The announcement of the move was released on social media by the Ittihad Club as well as Benzema’s Twitter account.

? Introducing our newest superstar, Karim @Benzema! Ready to light up our stadium soon ⚽️? #Benzema2Ittihad#here2inspireKSA pic.twitter.com/XSQcyRghpO

— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) June 6, 2023

Benzema bid adieu to his former home Bernabeau before announcing his move to Saudi Arabia.

Madridistas,
Después de tantos años aquí, ha llegado el momento de despedirme
del club que se ha convertido en mi casa, el Real Madrid.
He tenido el privilegio de vestir esta camiseta legendaria y de representar a este club emblemático. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/ygvnw8XV0Q

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) June 6, 2023

Karim Benzema in Saudi Arabia

The French superstar underwent a medical in Madrid and is set to be unveiled by the Jeddah giants later this week, according to the statement released by the Saudi club.

The club’s statement added, “Benzema’s transfer is the most impactful in the club’s history. It also marks a huge step in the Saudi Pro League’s journey to become one of football’s leading destinations of the world.”

The Real Madrid striker said, “I am excited to experience a new football league in a different country. Al-Ittihad has an amazing history, incredibly passionate fans and big ambitions in football to be a force in Asia after winning the league. I have been fortunate to achieve amazing things in my career and achieve everything I can in Spain and Europe.”

“It now feels the time is right for a new challenge and project. Every time I’ve visited Saudi Arabia I’ve always felt such warmth and love from the fans and people.” “I am looking forward to joining my new teammates and, together with them, help take this amazing club and the game in Saudi Arabia to new levels,” he added.

Benzema won 24 trophies with Real Madrid, including four La Liga titles, three Copa del Reys and five UEFA Champions League titles, and is the club’s second-highest goal scorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabia follows in the footsteps of his former teammate who plays for the club Al Nassr.

The news of Benzema’s signing comes days after the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched a new sports fund to boost the Saudi Pro League and make it one of the top 10 in the world. The sports clubs investment and privatisation project, is part of the kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 reform programme that seeks to diversify the economy away from heavy reliance on oil revenues.

The move saw four football clubs being taken over by the Public Investment Fund. Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Hilal – have been transformed into companies, each of which is owned by the wealth fund and non-profit foundations for each club as part of the sports privatisation.