Karim Benzema looks set to follow in Luka Modric’s footsteps by signing a one-year extension to remain at Real Madrid.
The former France international is the current Ballon d’Or holder for his heroics in the club’s amazing 2021/22 run which saw them bag the double of LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League.
His form for the club since becoming the main man following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure in 2018 has been impeccable. It led to him being recalled to the France national team in 2020 after five years in exile. He has cut ties with Les Bleus due to some friction between himself and France manager Didier Deschamps, but his form makes him one of the best attackers from the European nation.
At 35 years old, however, it is obvious that he is nearing the end of his career. Real Madrid are well aware of this fact and are making moves to sign a player to replace him. Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are their targets, but recent reports now indicate that either of those two will still have to contend with Benzema for a starting berth in the team should they join before next season.
The player and the club have agreed terms to see him remain beyond the summer of 2023 when his current contract runs out. He will sign a one-year extension like Modric did at the beginning of the season and will be Los Blancos’ go to man and captain for the 2023/24 season.
Madrid are also looking at keeping Modric (37) and Toni Kroos (33) beyond this season as both their contracts also expire in June 2023.
Unlike Benzema, however, both players have had understudies for a while now and have been given rest in many matches as younger midfielders – their eventual replacements – get a run in the team. Should Madrid keep them beyond their contracts, it will be as mentors to the new generation made up of Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and possibly, Jude Bellingham.
Reports emerged of Madrid preparing a mega money bid to take the English midfielder off Borussia Dortmund’s hands in the summer.
The planned bid exceed €100 million which would be going into world record territory for the German club, making it hard to pass up on.
Benzema, on the other hand, is reportedly happy to keep playing in front of the Santiago Bernabeu fans and has given hints of wanting to retire at the club.
