Karim Benzema makes 'special request to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez'

Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema has made a ‘special request’ to Los Blancos president Florentino Perez ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports in Spain.

Benzema enjoyed a stellar run with Madrid in the 2021-22 season and lifted his fourth La Liga title and fifth Champions League trophy with the club.

The 35-year-old French striker was in stunning goalscoring form, too, with Benzema finding the back of the net a whopping 44 times in 46 appearances last season.

Benzema’s incredible goalscoring tally and trophy-winning exploits with Madrid comfortably fired him to the 2022 Ballon d’Or award ahead of Sadio Mane.

However, the ex-France international has been hit with multiple injuries this season, with Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti relying on his talisman to lead the frontline.

According to reports in Spain, Benzema has felt ‘pressure’ over his need to stay fit for Madrid this season due to their reliance on him.

Fichajes now reports that the Ballon d’Or-winning Frenchman has ‘made a request’ to Perez for Madrid to sign a new striker in the summer.

Madrid announced last December that they had signed 16-year-old Brazilian striker Endrick from Palmeiras.

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The Brazil Under-17s international is set to arrive at Madrid in July 2024 once he hits his legal age, which still leaves Benzema as Ancelotti’s sole striker for next season.

A new striking option in the summer would ensure that Ancelotti isn’t left short going into the next season, with Benzema set to turn 36 in late 2023.

Ancelotti has hinted that Benzema could feature in Madrid’s upcoming Champions League clash against Liverpool, despite picking up a knock in their match against Valencia on Thursday.

“Benzema is nothing major. The injury to [Eder] Militao is more serious. [He] will not be available at the weekend against Mallorca,” he said.

Madrid will travel to Anfield on 21st February for the first leg of their round-of-16 Champions League clash against Liverpool.