He may be one of Real Madrid's more divisive players and he certainly doesn't get the press the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Isco and Marco Asensio receive, but Karim Benzema is mightily important to the European and Spanish champions. And if you ever needed any further proof, just take a look at the Frenchman's big, shiny, fuck off new release clause that has been inserted in his latest contract extension.
The former Lyon star has officially put pen to paper on a new deal that will keep him in the Spanish capital until 2021 and Los Blancos are keen to ward off any potential suitors the 29-year-old may have with a release clause that, in the words of Dead Prez, is bigger than hip hop, hip hop, hip hop.
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The new deal comes complete with a release clause worth an eye watering £890 million, according to Sports Illustrated.
Le Journal du Dimanche reported the news of Benzema committing his future to the Spanish champions, while also claiming that Chinese Super League outfit Tianjin Quanjian had offered the France international an incredible £45 million-a-year deal to make the move to the Far East.
Since moving to the Bernabeu from Lyon in 2009 in a £38 million deal, Benzema has racked up 181 goals in 371 appearances for Los Blancos, lifting three Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and two FIFA Club World Cups along the way.
Got a spare £890 million that you're ready to part with? He's your's, if so. Image: PA
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Benzema has, in the past, been linked with moves to the Premier League, with Manchester United close to securing his signature in 2009 before Real made their move. Arsenal have also regularly been rumoured to have held an interest in the Frenchman.
The news of Benzema's new contract isn't good news for everyone, however, with the deal probably killing Robert Lewandowski's chances of moving to the Bernabeu, next summer. At least that's the case according to Spanish football writer Guillem Balague, who tweeted to say that the chance of the Poland captain swapping Bavaria for the Spanish capital is getting 'slowly smashed'.
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We're guessing an £890 million release clause would prove to be too rich for even Paris Saint-Germain's blood, should the Parisian club ever decide they fancy making a move for the 29-year-old.
(H/T Sports Illustrated)
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football, Karim Benzema, Real Madrid
