Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema is set to sign a new deal which will keep him at Santiago Bernabeu until 2024, according to The Athletic.
The reigning Ballon d’Or holder, whose current deal expires in June, has scored 18 times in 27 matches across all competitions this term and it is no surprise that Los Blancos want to retain his services for an additional 12 months.
Earlier this season, Benzema surpassed Madrid cult hero Raul Gonzalez to move out on his own into second place in the club’s all-time scoring charts courtesy of his 324th strike.
Benzema also holds the record for the most assists of any Madrid player in history, highlighting how much of an impact he has had since his move from Olympique Lyon 13 years ago.
While the 35-year-old is expectedly showing signs of slowing down, he remains a key figure for Carlo Ancelotti’s men as confirmed by the Italian manager himself, who wants to see his talisman remain in the Spanish capital for the foreseeable future.
“We have a number nine, which at the moment is Karim,” Ancelotti said last month.
“It is true that he is not a kid, but we have him — also for next year.
“I do not know if (Benzema) has renewed or not (but) the legends of this club, as far as I think, have to stay at Real Madrid.”
Having failed to score in his last three outings, Benzema will be targeting a return to the score sheet in tonight’s Champions League round-of-16 concluding fixture against Liverpool.
Thanks in no small part to Benzema’s superb display at Anfield, Madrid hold a three-goal advantage over their English counterparts after an emphatic 5-2 victory in the first leg three weeks ago.
