Real Madrid superstar close to leaving this summer

Real Madrid look set to be handed a major blow this summer, which could shake up a lot of their plans. The club were already in a difficult position, following a disappointing La Liga campaign and  one-sided exit from the Champions League at the hands of Manchester City. And now, it looks like one of their most important players could be on his way out.

It had looked like Karim Benzema was set to extend his contract with Real Madrid and continue at the club for another year. And the club were expected to bring in some cover for the Frenchman.

But now, it looks like Benzema himself could end up leaving. It goes without saying that that would be a massive blow for Real Madrid, if it does happen.

As reported by CBS Sports, Al Ittihad believe they are very close to securing the signature of Benzema.

Real Madrid superstar close to leaving this summer

Benzema is coming off of an up and down campaign. He has spent several spells out on the sidelines, having had to deal with a number of fitness issues. And unquestionably, he has been nowhere near as good as he was last season.

Yet, Benzema has remained Real Madrid’s best source of goals and is their first-choice number nine without doubt.

As a result, if Benzema was to leave, then the club would need to bring in a high profile replacement for him. The problem is, Real Madrid are close to signing Jude Bellingham, and that move is expected to take a large chunk out of their summer transfer budget.

The club have been linked with names like Victor Osimhen, Harry Kane, Dusan Vlahovic and more in recent times. Most fans considered had considered it as mere speculation. But if Benzema does leave, that is the calibre of player that Real Madrid must replace the current Ballon d’Or holder with.