Karim Benzema could be set to make a sensational return to European football, but he has one key condition before agreeing to such a move.
The French forward is widely regarded as one of the best strikers of the 21st century.
After five years in Lyon's first team, he joined Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he went on to win 25 trophies, including five Champions League titles.
His greatest season came in 2021/22, when he scored 44 goals in 46 games to fire Real Madrid to a Champions League and La Liga double.
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That extraordinary goalscoring form earned him the Ballon d'Or for the first and only time.
He spent one more year in Spain before making the move to Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad in 2023, where he signed a three-year contract.
With that deal set to expire in June 2026, speculation is now beginning to build around what Benzema's next career move will be.
In a recent interview with Spanish outlet AS, he revealed that a return to European football remains a possibility.
He said: "It's true that I have offers from Europe.
"I have to look at everything, choose wisely, and see where I feel comfortable, without forgetting that I feel good here and receive affection from everyone. But we'll see.
"They ask me for things, and I give them things. Everything's fifty-fifty, but there are things happening.
"I'm not going to quit football and stop competing in six months."
Although a return to Real Madrid might be the dream scenario, Benzema explained that such a move would only happen if club president Florentino Perez wanted him back.
"If Florentino is still there, it could happen, it could happen," Benzema continued.
"I talk to him and it's possible. I'm a Real Madrid fan. I feel it in my soul.
"Madrid is still my city, I feel like a Real Madrid fan and a Madrileño. We'll see what happens. If he's there…"
Benzema also praised the rising standard of the Saudi Pro League, emphasising how the level has improved since his arrival in 2023.
Al-Ittihad won the title last season, with Benzema finishing as the team's top scorer on 21 goals.
However, they have made a disappointing start to the current campaign and currently sit eighth, with just 11 points from their opening eight matches.
The Frenchman has missed three of those games through injury, which may be a sign that his body is no longer able to cope with the physical demands of top-level football.
Topics: Karim Benzema, Real Madrid, Saudi Pro League, Florentino Perez
James Taylor