Karim Benzema has signed a three-year deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid.
The French striker, 35, called time on his Bernabeu career after 14 years and has reportedly agreed a deal worth around £86million-a-season to join the Jeddah-based Saudi Pro League champions.
AFP reported Benzema's move will be confirmed imminently though Real are set to stage a farewell event for the five-time Champions League winner first.
Al-Ittihad are managed by the former Wolves and Tottenham coach Nuno Espirito Santo and they finished five points clear of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in the Saudi title race.
It comes amid a drive by the Saudi authorities to bring in high-calibre players who have played in Champions League or World Cup finals to their top division.
Ronaldo, 38, signed for Al-Nassr in December after his acrimonious exit from Manchester United and scored 14 goals in 19 outings so far in Saudi football.
Al-Hilal want to sign Argentine World Cup winner Lionel Messi, 35, after he left Paris Saint-Germain and are believed to be preparing a lucrative deal worth £345m per season.
Benzema scored a penalty on his farewell appearance for Real on Sunday night as they drew 1-1 with Athletic Bilbao.
Moments after drawing his side level from the spot, he received a standing ovation from the Bernabeu crowd while being substituted off.
In total, Benzema scored 354 times in 648 appearances for Real Madrid, winning four LaLiga titles and three Spanish Cups in additions to his Champions League haul.
Real had hoped Benzema would stay for another season by activating an automatic one-year renewal on his contract.
But he has become the latest high-profile player to be attracted to Saudi Arabia, with Real targeting Tottenham Hotspur and England striker Harry Kane to replace him.
Benzema's deal is worth €100m tax free with add-ons for promoting the country's 2030 World Cup bid.
Al-Ittihad were one of four clubs taken over by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund [PIF] on Monday.
The country's sovereign wealth fund has taken a 75 per cent stake in Al-Ittihad as well as Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli.
The official PIF Twitter account said: 'As part of today's announcement of the Sport Clubs Investment and Privatisation Project, four Saudi clubs - Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr and Al Hilal - have been transformed into companies, each of which is owned by PIF and non-profit foundations for each club.'
They added: 'PIF's ownership in the clubs' companies represent 75 per cent in each club, while their respective non-profit foundations hold 25 per cent ownership of each club.
'The transfer of the four clubs will unleash various commercial opportunities, including investment, partnership and sponsorships across numerous sports.'
ariwanze
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No he left because of your blood not money
Okay. Moving on🙄
Pikin90
0
As long as u didn't mean he left cos of the money I am good. They have to leave one day.
No he left because of your blood not money
ariwanze
0
Ask questions before jumping into conclusions, if you have read my previous post, I was happy he moved because he has won almost everything possible and he is not getting younger so making money now without much stress is the best for him... So fast means best choice and get the money....
As long as u didn't mean he left cos of the money I am good. They have to leave one day.
Pikin90
0
I think you are either jealous or not being realistic. No top club will give them a deal like that at that age. How many games did Benzema miss this season? Alot! And you want him to remain? So when do u want him to leave?
Ask questions before jumping into conclusions, if you have read my previous post, I was happy he moved because he has won almost everything possible and he is not getting younger so making money now without much stress is the best for him... So fast means best choice and get the money....
wimcklmnpu
1
Football will sometime turn your best friend to your enemy and also make your enemy your best friend. You and CR7 would now play against each other what a journey
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ariwanze
1
Football will sometime turn your best friend to your enemy and also make your enemy your best friend. You and CR7 would now play against each other what a journey
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and he will make a better Captain.
ariwanze
0
Players play for money now.. I agree with them
...like u won't do the same if you are in his position.
ariwanze
0
So fast.... Money calling men
I think you are either jealous or not being realistic. No top club will give them a deal like that at that age. How many games did Benzema miss this season? Alot! And you want him to remain? So when do u want him to leave?
Pikin90
2
So fast.... Money calling men
Buzeilntu
1
Soon they will have Messi and Ramos! And many more!
claude_Ach
0
Players play for money now.. I agree with them
From 34yrs, yes
Shmonny
3
⭐647 games ⭐353 goals ⭐165 assists ⭐25 trophies Karim Benzema is officially leaving Real Madrid and he does so a legend
M¹N²
0
Football will sometime turn your best friend to your enemy and also make your enemy your best friend. You and CR7 would now play against each other what a journey
[image]
they are not enemies they are rivals
Gudiest
2
Saudi league will be on 🔥 🔥 🔥
Champion88
1
Players play for money now.. I agree with them
Iffy106
4
Football will sometime turn your best friend to your enemy and also make your enemy your best friend. You and CR7 would now play against each other what a journey
SanusiSaheedAyo
1
Big Benz will now be playing against CR7
Minbeilst
1
I want to joinye
Jerryclem
0
all the best captain