Real Madrid superstar set to join former Los Blancos teammate Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad : Reports
Real Madrid star Nacho Fernandez is reportedly set for a reunion with Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad. The veteran Spanish defender is leaving the Santiago Bernabeu when his contract expires later this month.
L'Equipe reports that Nacho is headed to the Saudi Pro League to link up with Benzema at King Abdullah Sport City. He'll be a free agent at the end of this month, and the Saudi giants are closing in on his signature with talks advanced.
Nacho, 34, captained Real Madrid in likely his final season with the La Liga heavyweights. He made 45 appearances across competitions, helping his side keep 20 clean sheets.
Ancelotti reportedly wanted the versatile defender to stay and advised him to do so. The Italian coach was quoted as saying (via Marca):
"Don't do something crazy, stay here, with us, at Real Madrid."
The 25-cap Spain international was part of a Los Blancos side that won the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and Supercopa de Espana. He's been at the Bernabeu his entire career and become a hero with his boyhood club.
Karim Benzema, 36, stunned fans when he announced his departure from Madrid last summer. The French striker joined Al-Ittihad after his contract expired. He's enjoyed a fruitful season in Saudi Arabia, with 13 goals and eight assists in 29 games across competitions.
The Frenchman couldn't help Nadi Al-Sha'ab successfully retain their Saudi Pro League title. He could feel more at home with Nacho joining him in the Middle East. The duo won 23 major trophies together in the Spanish capital.
Nacho Fernandez nearly left Real Madrid before replacing Karim Benzema as captain: Reports
Nacho was given the honor of replacing Karim Benzema as Real Madrid's last season. The Spaniard is one of the most experienced players in Ancelotti's squad and was trusted to wear the armband.
Relevo reports that Nacho was close to leaving Madrid last summer, but becoming captain convinced him to stay. He debuted in 2011 and has made 364 appearances at the Bernabeu with 16 goals and 10 assists.
Nacho looks set to embark on a new challenge in the Saudi Pro League after a phenomenal career with Los Merengues. He's set to link back up with Benzema and face his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Real Madrid's all-time top scorer, has been in Saudi Arabia since January 2023. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has become the poster boy of the Saudi Pro League, and high-profile names have followed him to the Middle East.