Real Madrid star Karim Benzema is set to join Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad this summer as a free agent.
The 35-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with the Saudi club, according to Al-Ekhbariya (via Reuters).
His former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo is already playing in the Pro League, having joined Al Nassr in January following the termination of his contract at Manchester United.
Saudi Arabia are also trying to sign Lionel Messi to revive the World Cup winner’s famous rivalry with Ronaldo in the Middle East.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Al-Hilal are ready to offer the Argentine more than €400 million per season to join their club.
With Inter Miami and Barcelona also interested, the 35-year-old has several options at his disposal, and it remains to be seen what he decides.
The Saudis also want to bring in seven more stars in addition to Messi and Benzema.
They are targeting Paris Saint-Germain star Sergio Ramos, who is out of contract this summer at the Parc des Princes, and Marseille forward Alexis Sanchez.
Two Barcelona players Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have also been linked with transfers to the Pro League.
Busquets will become a free agent at the end of this month, while Alba has a year remaining on his contract at Camp Nou.
Two Chelsea players are also being chased by Saudi – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and N’Golo Kante.
Both players have endured a disappointing 2022-23 campaign at Stamford Bridge and are linked with an exit this summer.
Celta Vigo’s Iago Aspas is another player who could join Messi and Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia next season.
