Real Madrid considered the summer spending spree by snapping up French forward Karim Benzema from Lyon – after the two clubs agreed a £35Million fee based upon appearances. The news will come as a further blow for Manchester United who were keen to sign the French forward – as a replacement for Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo.
Real Madrid released a statement on their website earlier this evening:
Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique Lyonnais have reached an agreement for the transfer of Karim Benzema. The player will have his medical examination in the next few days, which will be followed by the signing of the contract with his new club.
The 21-year old French international striker will play six seasons for Real Madrid.
Benzema has taken French football by storm since he made his debut in the 2004/05 season. He scored 17 goals last season in 36 games in Ligue 1 whilst hitting 5 goals in 8 games in the Champions League. Benzema is being touted as the next big French superstar and could follow in the foot steps of France’s top goalscorer Thierry Henry. Benzema, assuming he stays fit, will be part of the French squad next summer for the World Cup in South Africa.
