Real Madrid are reportedly planning to sign Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen from Napoli as a replacement for Karim Benzema this summer.
The 35-year-old French forward was expected to sign a new one-year contract with Real Madrid but decided to sever ties with the Spanish giants before the season’s final game in 2022-2023.
Real Madrid confirmed on Sunday, June 4, that Benzema will leave the club when his contract expires on June 30, 2023, 14 years after he joined.
A statement from the club read:
Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club.
Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for who is already one of our greatest legends.
Real Madrid is and will always be his home, and he wishes him and all his family the best in this new phase of his life.
The French striker’s departure from Spain will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the global transfer market, as Madrid will need to make a significant signing to fill the void left by the Ballon d’Or winner.
According to Football Italia, Napoli’s Osimhen is one of the top contenders to fill the void left by the 35-year-old attacker, but Real Madrid will have to compete with Manchester United for his signature.
Osimhen, who is currently valued at £150 million, has just won the Serie A top scorer award with 26 goals.
The 24-year-old beat out AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez to be named the best striker in Serie A for the 2022-2023 Italian League season.
If the transfer is successful, the striker will have big shoes to fill given Benzema’s outstanding achievements for the Spanish giants.
Since joining Real Madrid from Lyon in July 2009, the attacker has appeared in 649 games, scoring 354 goals and assisting on 165 others.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo (450 goals) has more for Real Madrid than Benzema.
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