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Karim Benzema is set to stay at Real Madrid for a further season, with the striker’s contract being extended by one additional year until the summer of 2024. Reports from England previously suggested that the French forward was set to depart the La Liga giants this summer, in favour of a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia. However, Transfermarkt.es now understands that a clause in Benzema’s contract has been triggered by Madrid that will run until the end of the 2023/24 season.
The player hinted at a dramatic shift in the narrative at a press conference on Thursday, when he denied reports linking him with a move away from Madrid. “Speak about what?” Benzema said in reference to reports: “Why do I have to talk about the future? I’m at Real Madrid. What is said comes from the internet, and the internet is not reality.”
Benzema added: “At the moment, I’m here… we have a game on Sunday. I know how much Real Madrid fans love me. I feel that when I’m on the pitch. I give my best for them, always. I always say that we play with 11 on the pitch but also with crucial factor, Real Madrid fans. I am very proud of my work, I enjoy every moment in Madrid. Going to Valdebebas to train is not a job. In my head I enjoy Madrid. Yesterday, today and tomorrow in training.”
The most valuable players in La Liga
30 Ángel Correa | Atlético Madrid | New market value: €35m
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-€5m
(Updated March 23 2023)
29 José Gayà | Valencia | New market value: €35m
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-€5m
28 Ferland Mendy | Real Madrid | New market value: €35m
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-€5m
27 José María Giménez | Atlético Madrid | New market value: €35m
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-€5m
26 Ansu Fati | Barcelona | New market value: €35m
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-€15m
25 Yéremy Pino | Villarreal | Market value: €38m
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24 Rodrigo de Paul | Atletico Madrid| Market value: €40m
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23 Jan Oblak | Atlético Madrid | Market value: €40m
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22 Antonio Rüdiger | Real Madrid | Market value: €40m
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21 Martín Zubimendi | Real Sociedad | Market value: €40m
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20 Robert Lewandowski | Barcelona | New market value: €40m
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-€5m
19 Marc-André ter Stegen | Barcelona | New market value: €40m
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+€10m
18 Pau Torres | Villarreal | New market value: €45m
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-€5m
17 Raphinha | Barcelona | Market value: €50m
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16 Mikel Merino | Real Sociedad | Market value: €50m
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15 David Alaba | Real Madrid | New market value: €50m
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-€5m
14 Mikel Oyarzabal | Real Sociedad | New market value: €50m
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-€10m
13 Thibaut Courtois | Real Madrid | Market value: €60m
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12 Ousmane Dembélé | Barcelona | Market value: €60m
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11 Jules Kounde | Barcelona | Market value: €60m
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10 Frenkie de Jong | Barcelona | New market value: €60m
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+€10m
9 Eduardo Camavinga | Real Madrid | New market value: €60m
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+€10m
8 Éder Militão | Real Madrid | New market value: €70m
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+€10m
7 Ronald Araújo | Barcelona | New market value: €70m
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+€10m
6 Rodrygo | Real Madrid | Market value: €80m
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5 Aurélien Tchouameni | Real Madrid | Market value: €90m
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4 Gavi | Barcelona | Market value: €90m
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3 Federico Valverde | Real Madrid | Market value: €100m
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2 Pedri | Barcelona | Market value: €100m
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1 Vinicius Junior | Real Madrid | Market value: €120m
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News of Benzema’s new contract will be music to the ears of Madrid fans around the world, who surely worried that the club would have to quickly mobilize and find a replacement in the summer transfer window. Despite now being 35 years of age, Benzema is Madrid’s only traditional No.9 and would surely cost the club a fortune to replace had he opted to depart after 14 years at the club ahead of next season.
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