Karim Benzema has been the backbone of Real Madrid’s attack for over a decade. His value to the Merengues‘ attack was overshadowed for a long time by the brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo, but recent seasons have shown what an impactful player the striker is in his own right.
The veteran suffered a difficult first half of the 2022/23 season but has turned around his performances in the last two weeks. Back-to-back hattricks against Real Valladolid and Barcelona announced his return on the big stage. Now, he is said to be more ready than ever for the final stage of the season.
According to reports from MARCA, Benzema has turned down an offer from Saudi Arabia for next season and is set to stay in the Spanish capital for one more season.
The striker’s current contract with Los Blancos expires at the end of the season and given his fitness woes, there was some skepticism about his continuity.
Benzema was also said to be considering the offer for a while now, which not only includes a move to Saudi Arabia but also the commencement of a new academy under Benzema’s name and image. Yet, he is currently unperturbed by the money on the table, at least for the next year.
The report goes on to talk about an unwritten law at Real Madrid that sees any player who wins the Ballon d’Or secure a renewal. Benzema is close to following the same tracks and talks will progress in the coming days.
The 35-year-old has already scored 14 goals and provided three assists in La Liga this season in just 18 appearances.
With the team now fighting on two fronts – the final of the Copa del Rey and the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League – Benzema’s form and fitness could make or break the season and his manager’s future.
