Real Madrid Sign Karim Benzema
Real Reach Agreement With Lyon
Real Madrid look set to take their summer spending past the 250 million euro mark in their capture of the French ace who tries to model his game on the Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
The move will go through subject to the player undergoing a medical in the next few days, after he agreed a six year deal.
Lyon's official website subsequently released a statement declaring : "Lyon announces the agreement with Real Madrid of the transfer of international attacker Karim Benzema for a net minimum value of 35 million euros"
Player's Agent Karim Djaziri First to Confirm Deal
Benzema's agent; Karim Djaziri told French radio that a deal had been agreed between Real Madrid and Lyon, and that only personal terms and a medical needed to be completed for the move to be concluded.
The French international becomes their fourth big money capture of the summer, following the signings of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Raul Albiol.
Manchester United Waiting in the Wings
Although there was uncertainty about where Benzema would end up this summer, there was no doubt that he was being courted by more than one club. Manchester United were keen to splash some of their £80 million windfall which they received for Cristiano Ronaldo today, and were huge long-term admirers of the talented, former Lyon star.
One potential stumbling block for Manchester United was that Real Madrid could certainly have eclipsed any offer that they made. Moreover, players in Spain get taxed considerably less than players in England, and this undoubtedly influenced Benzema's decision to go to the Santiago Bernabeau.
Karim Benzema Profile
Although only 21, the player has enjoyed his best two seasons for Lyon scoring 46 goals in 87 games in all competitions, and also picked up the French Ligue 1 Golden Boot award in the 2007/08 season. Furthermore, Benzema has 24 international caps to his name along with six goals.
Florentino Perez's 'Six-Year Plan'
Florentino Perez's second regime at the Spanish giants promises to propel them again to the pinnacle of World Football, during the next six years. The signings so far have signalled their intent and Perez will stop at nothing to ensure success on and off the field.
With the backing of his creditors, he aims to once again become one of the most powerful figures in football, with an estimated 800 million euro's to finance Real Madrid's ambitions.
The various sources of their budget includes, funds which they already had, a number of banks which have agreed to act as creditors, the marketing of their 'galacticos', and the selling of players. They hope to accrue 90 million euros this summer after Javier Saviola joined Benfica, and Christoph Metzelder reportedly set to follow.
With Florentino Perez promising more signings after Benzema, reports in Spain indicate David Silva, and Xabi Alonso are next on his list.
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles