Karim Benzema agrees deal to join Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad from Real Madrid

Karim Benzema is expected to be confirmed in the coming days as the latest star to move to Saudi Arabia’s top football league.

The French forward, whose departure from Real Madrid was announced by the Spanish club on Sunday, has accepted a lucrative offer to join Al Ittihad, the newly crowned Saudi Pro League champions.

Representatives from the kingdom were in Madrid from Sunday to move forward with the deal, which is understood to be a two-year contract with the option of another season.

Benzema, who on Sunday scored in his final appearance for Madrid – the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner converted a penalty in the 1-1 draw at home to Athletic Bilbao - will join in Saudi former Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugal captain signed for Al Nassr in December and narrowly missed out on the top-flight title in his first season, as Ittihad sealed the trophy with one round to spare.