Karim Benzema Joins Al-Ittihad: Saudi Arabian Football Making Waves

It has been a huge week in the history of Saudi Arabian football, with the clubs from the Pro League making audacious moves to sign stars from the top tiers of the European game. The latest star to be joining the Pro League was announced earlier this week as Karim Benzema has opted to end his 14-year stay at Real Madrid to join Al-Ittihad, leading to a potential title race next season in Saudi Arabia against former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. The Middle East online betting sites will make for compelling reading in terms of the odds next season, with no shortage of top stars competing for the top prize.

Benzema Ends Illustrious Real Madrid Career

Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for Karim Benzema after the announcement was made that he would be ending his stay in Madrid. The coach admitted that he will be forever ‘remembered’ as a legend after helping the club to achieve one of the most dominant periods in their history. During his stay in Spain, Benzema won 24 major trophies with the club, including five Champions League titles.

However, his presence in the team wasn’t truly felt until Ronaldo’s departure in 2018. Benzema transitioned effortlessly into a central striker and was named in the La Liga Team of the Season for four straight seasons. He also ended the 2022 Champions League-winning campaign as the top scorer, which ultimately led to the Frenchman winning the illustrious Ballon d’Or.

Benzema’s scoring record for Real Madrid was staggering, as he scored 354 goals across 648 matches in all competitions, which includes a career-best tally of 44 in 46 matches in 2021-22. The striker was given a warm farewell after scoring in his final appearance for the club, and his agreement with Al-Ittihad was signed the following day.

Benzema Signs Saudi Deal

Rumors of Benzema’s departure were hot news ahead of Real’s last match of the La Liga season, and his decision to void his option of an extension quickly led to reports that he would be joining former Madrid teammate Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. Those reports were officially announced on Monday, June 5, as Benzema’s three-year deal with Al-Ittihad was confirmed by the Saudi Pro League club.

The Frenchman also has the added option of a further year should he wish to extend the deal in Saudi Arabia. The signing will certainly make waves in Saudi, and it has seen the club quickly become one of the leading contenders to win the top prize in 2023-24. However, further huge stars could be set to move to the nation before the summer transfer window slams shut later in the year.

Messi Among Future Saudi Targets

This year certainly feels like a massive one for Saudi Arabian football, as the nation appears to be plotting moves for a number of world-renowned stars. Lionel Messi is one the most highly decorated footballer that Saudi Arabia has long been interested in acquiring, and they are among the interested parties following PSG’s decision not to extend his deal. Messi reportedly has a £350 million-per-year deal offer on the table from Al-Hilal, but Barcelona and Inter Miami also remain in the fight for the former Champions League winner.

Further stars have also been offered mega-money deals from Saudi Arabia, with Chelsea and France World Cup winner N’golo Kante offered a deal to sign with Al Nassr. Wilfried Zaha is another player out on contract this summer, and the Crystal Palace player has been offered an eye-watering sum to move to the Middle East.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has also been muted as a possible Saudi target, while Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets is also being assessed after his deal in Spain expired following the end of the 2022-23 season.

Conclusion

Star power is certainly being added to the Saudi Pro League, as clubs look to make the competition more globally commercial over the coming seasons. A number of players over the age of 30 have been approached regarding possible deals, with a number of those opting to accept huge sums to move to the Middle East.

It will certainly enhance the product offered by the league from the start of next season, and should Messi move to Saudi Arabia, then it would certainly gain attention from across the globe. However, the Pro League still has a long way to go before it comes close to the excitement levels evident in major European competitions throughout the season. It promises to be a fascinating summer of business for the Saudi clubs.