Karim Benzema Joins Real Madrid Revolution
Frenchman Becomes Latest Big Name to Join Real Madrid
Jul 3, 2009
The fee is reported by the French media to be in the region of £30 million initially, with it rising to £35.2 million depending on appearances and success. The Ligue 1 top scorer becomes Real's fourth signing of the summer - with more expected to follow.
Real Madrid Continue to Spend
Real Madrid's summer recruitment drive has seen the club spend a whopping £180 million on four players so far.
Benzema's signing was preceded by the captures of AC Milan playmaker Kaka (£56m), Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo (£80m) and Valencia defender Raul Albiol (£13m). The Spanish giants signing of Benzema then set them back £30m, but many consider it a good investment for a 21 year old with the best years of his career ahead of him.
It looks as if the spending won't end their either with club president Florentino Perez vowing to bring all Europe's top stars to Madrid to start the second era of the 'Galacticos'.
Among the targets for future transfers are Frank Ribery, David Villa, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.
Competition for Places at Real Madrid
Athough Real Madrid paid a large fee for Karim Benzema, there is no guarantee that he will play every game, with the club possessing a lot of top quality players.
Benzema is going to have to compete with established stars like Raul, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Klass-Jan Huntelaar and Gonzalo Higuain for a place up front, as well as rising star Alvaro Negredo.
However, Benzema's goal scoring record at Lyon should stand him in good stead to earn him a place in the starting eleven.
Benzema's Record at Lyon
Karim Benzema's goal scoring record at Lyon has been impressive enough to justify the £30 million price tag Lyon placed on him.
Last season, Benzema racked up an impressive 23 goals for his side - not bad considering Lyon had their worst season in over a decade, finishing just 3rd in the league.
It was the 2007/08 season where Benzema had his most productive season though. He ended the season with 31 goals in all competitions - the best return of his short career thus far. Although his international tally isn't as great (just 6 goals in 24 games), he has made a number of his appearances as a sub and will get a lot more starts in the future.
Zidane Helps Secure Benzema Transfer
With Real Madrid not the only club interested in Benzema, the club had to work hard to secure his signiture and found new sporting advisor, Zinedine Zidane, an invaluable factor in the move.
Manchester United were thought to be favourites to sign the striker, but Zidane managed to convince Benzema that Madrid was the best place to nurture his talents.
Real are hoping that Zidane can persuade his French compatriot Frank Ribery to join as well and the early signs look good, with Ribery stating that he would only leave Bayern Munich for one club - Real Madrid.
