Al-Ittihad announce signing of Karim Benzema from Real Madrid

Al-Ittihad have confirmed the signing of Karim Benzema from Real Madrid.

The Frenchman has been involved in a back-and-forth transfer saga for the last week having previously agreed terms over a new contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Last week, reports from across Europe and Asia stated that Benzema was considering an offer to join the Saudi Pro League.

He initially communicated to Real Madrid club president Florentino Perez that he intended to take up such a lucrative offer, only to change his mind and declare that ‘the internet is not reality’ in regards to initial reporting.

However, in another spectacular U-turn, Real Madrid and Benzema then confirmed that they would part ways at the end of the 2022/23 season, allowing the striker to join Saudi champions Al-Ittihad.

Following a farewell press conference on Tuesday, Benzema flew out to Saudi Arabia and has now put pen to paper on a three-year contract with Al-Ittihad.

“Benzema is here. A new tiger will roar. Welcome to Ittihad!” the club said in a statement on Twitter.

Benzema leaves Real Madrid as their fifth-highest appearance holder (648) and second on their all-time scoring charts (354).

He netted his final goal for Los Blancos in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to Athletic Club, bringing the curtain down on his 14-year stay in Spain in style.

In Benzema’s place, 90min understands that Real Madrid will step up their interest in Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane. The England captain has one year left to run on his contract at Spurs.