Karim Benzema's Real Madrid future decided

Stuart Telford

• 16 Mar 2023 19:47 GMT
• 3 min read

Karim Benzema's Real Madrid contact is up at the end of the season, and the Frenchman had been linked with a return to first club Lyon.

Benzema's Real Madrid future has been cast into significant doubt this season.

He won the Ballon d'Or in October, but has missed 13 games with injury this term while Real moved to secure the signature of Brazilian prodigy Endrick, a No.9 who will join from Palmeiras for €72 million in the summer of 2024.

READ: Benzema, Kante and the expiring stars who could still stay

Benzema was back in Lyon showing his Ballon d'Or off to his hometown fans in November, ahead of their 1-1 draw against Nice in Ligue 1, fuelling speculation that he was ready to realise his "dream" or returning.

But it now seems that Lyon, and indeed any other potential suitor, will have to wait, with Benzema ready to extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu by another year.

Benzema 2024

"Karim Benzema is set to renew his contract with Real Madrid for another season until 2024," report the Athletic's Mario Cortegana and Guillermo Rai.

"The French striker's deal at Madrid expires on June 30, but various sources at the club and others who are close to Benzema have told The Athletic he will stay at the Santiago Bernabeu for another season."

READ: Watch out Mbappe! PSG man not Real Madrid's only Benzema alternative

Benzema is one of a number of key players out of contract with Real next summer, with midfield pair Luka Modric and Toni Kroos also on deals which are due to expire.

Marco Asensio is among their number, but as FootballTransfers revealed exclusively recently, he has agreed to join Barcelona on a Bosman, paving the way for Raphinha's exit from Camp Nou.

Benzema has thrived since Cristiano Ronaldo left Madrid for Juventus in 2019, and is now the club's second-highest scorer of all-time with 342 goals - as well as 164 assists - from 633 appearances in all competitions.