Just a few minutes ago, Olympique Lyonnais has confirmed that a deal has been agreed with Real Madrid for the transfer of striker Karim Benzema to the Spanish giants.I don't speak nor understand French, but according to the Lyon official website:
"Transfert de Karim Benzema au Real Madrid"
Somehow, it is safe to say that this roughly translates to "Transfer of Karim Benzema to Real Madrid!" (unless "de" or "au" means "not")
So far, the Real Madrid website has yet to confirm this.
No transfer fee was disclosed but it is estimated to be within the region of €35m. It has been rumored that Manchester United, who earlier in the day signed Antonio Valencia from Wigan, was leading in the race to sign the highly-touted French striker. With compatriot Zinedine Zidane as a close adviser to Real Madrid President Florentino Perez, it is possible that the former Real Madrid superstar played a crucial role in convincing his fellow Frenchman.
The 21-year-old striker would become Madrid's fourth major capture of the summer - after Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul Albiol.
It must be remembered that Madrid were on the verge of signing Spanish striker David Villa when his club Valencia suddenly changed its mind. Thus, Real Madrid had to look elsewhere for a world-class striker.
I now wonder what jersey number Benzema would be wearing. Kaka has chosen 8, and it seems that Ronaldo would wear 9. Perhaps, Benzema will inherit the number 5 jersey of Zidane.
No other details are available as of now, but one thing is clear - the trio of Kaka, C. Ronaldo, and now Benzema, would form one of the deadliest attacking trio in football. Hala Madrid!
