Benzema, Messi expected in Saudi Arabia in near future
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Benzema and Messi are expected to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi country after the latter joined Al Nassr from Manchester United last year.
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Real Madrid's Karim Benzema claps to supporters after the Spanish La Liga soccer match against Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Sunday, June 4, 2023 (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Karim Benzema and Lionel Messi are due to settle in Saudi Arabia, sources reported on Sunday after Benzema announced his departure from Real Madrid.
According to Saudi state news broadcaster Al-Ekhbariya, Benzema signed with Jeddah-based Al-Ittihad.
A delegation from the Al-Hilal team reportedly flew to France with the aim of sealing a contract for Messi after he played his last game for Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.
The team's representatives hope to meet with Messi's father and agent, Jorge, in order to finalize the deal as soon as they may, sources told AFP.
Two seasons ago, the Argentinian player arrived in Paris from Barcelona but failed to help PSG win the Champions League title as the club endured the plight of 16 defeats in both campaigns.
Benzema and Messi are expected to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi country after the latter joined Al Nassr from Manchester United last year.
Read more: Following in Messi's footsteps, PSG confirm Sergio Ramos leaving club
According to Al-Ekhbariya, the president of Saudi champions Al-Ittihad and his deputy were in Madrid "to officially sign" Benzema in a "record transfer with Real Madrid".
The report added that Benzeman agreed to a two-year contract with Al-Ittihad.
On Sunday, Benzema scored a penalty in his last Madrid match which ended in a draw against Athletic Bilbao.
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti and Benzema himself had previously said the striker would not leave his contract at Santiago Bernabeu early as one year remains of it to run.
Benzema lifted five Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles, and three Copas del Rey with Madrid and is the holder of the Ballon d'Or for the world's best player.
Read more: Benzema announces retirement from international career with France
