Real Madrid have been known to take chances on ageing strikers in the past. For example, Joselu was 33 years old when he returned to the club on loan from Espanyol. The striker went on to become a key part of the Los Blancos side that won La Liga and the Champions League in the 2023/24 season.
Los Blancos appear to be missing a Joselu figure, who now plays in Qatar with Al-Gharafa. The Spanish giants have even been linked with West Ham United flop Niclas Füllkrug recently. However, they could do better by signing another one of their former players.
Fabrizio Romano quoted Karim Benzema saying, "Possible Real Madrid return? If Florentino is still there, it could happen. I could never say no to Pérez. I’m a Madridista. I feel it in my soul. Madrid is still my city. We’ll see what happens."
Benzema began his career with his local club, Olympique Lyonnais. However, Real Madrid was where he really made a name for himself. The Frenchman won the Champions League five times and La Liga four times with Los Blancos.
He even won the Ballon d'Or in 2022, but surprisingly left Real Madrid the following year for Al-Ittihad. Benzema, along with another Real Madrid legend, Cristiano Ronaldo, were statement signings for the Saudi Pro League.
Could Karim Benzema really return to Real Madrid?
Benzema has had success in Saudi Arabia, winning the league and the King's Cup. This season, he has scored five goals in nine games for Al-Ittihad. However, he is now 37 and has not been involved in certain fixtures.
Benzema accumulated 97 caps for France, but we will not be seeing him at the World Cup next summer. The striker missed the 2022 tournament through injury and has since retired from international soccer.
A return to Real Madrid would be a fantastic story, but he is contracted to Al-Ittihad until the summer of 2026. The Saudi Pro League would not want to lose another of its biggest names, especially after Neymar returned to Santos from Al-Hilal earlier this year.
Real Madrid could do with a backup striker for Mbappé. Especially, if their young forward Endrick is to join Benzema's old club Lyon on loan. Xabi Alonso may need his former teammate to help ensure that his side maintains its lead at the top of La Liga this season. Alonso is under pressure to deliver a trophy this campaign after failing to win the Club World Cup last summer.