There comes a point in every athlete's career when it's time for new beginnings. Forgotten pasts and upcoming memories. That time may be now for Karim Benzema.
While Olympique Lyonnais are heading for their eighth straight Ligue 1 title, they may have to do it without the aid of their star striker.
He was expected to leave Les Gones at the end of the season, but it may come sooner, with the January transfer window just around the corner and the Frenchman discussing a future that doesn't include Lyon.
The 20-year-old currently leads all goal scorers in France with nine in 14 league matches. He's been a consistent scorer in Ligue 1 since his 24-goal campaign in 2006-2007.
He runs with great long strides, has a powerful shot, a tremendous eye for goal, and can play on either wing, as well as up front. It's no surprise that he's drawn comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo, the FIFA pro World Player of the Year.
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Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has already put up a €100 million release clause in Benzema's contract, which expires in 2013. The bidding wars may be upcoming soon.
Look no further than the clubs this prospect wants to play for, which, he also claims, have an interest in his services.
"There are a lot of clubs, Barca, Real, but also Manchester United, Milan. They are all big clubs you dream about." he said.
"I like Spain, but Manchester, Milan, you progress so much there. I want to progress at the highest level to be among the world's best."
Benzema was linked with a move to Manchester United last season after scoring more than 30 goals in all competitions. The move didn't happen, but the transfer talks haven't quieted down.
AC Milan's managing director Adriano Galliani has expressed high opinions of Benzema, but has also stated that the price is too high.
Samuel Eto'o has entered the conversation even, claiming that Benzema belongs at a club like Barcelona.
"Barca are the biggest club in the world and the biggest club in the world need the best players in the world," Eto'o said. "Benzema is in that category at the moment."
With a number of Ligue 1 trophies already on his resume, including four league titles and a player of the year award, there may not be any more accomplishments for Benzema to achieve in France.
He has done it all with Lyon, so to speak. It may be time for new challenges in a better league.
Where ever he goes, he will surely have an impact for his club.
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about 1 month ago
The only problem with Benzema moving is, as you said, Aulas put the €100 million release clause on his contract. Also, in order for that to happen, the player must have to agree to the release clause, which Benzema did. He's not going anywhere.
from about 1 month ago
Ya, it does pose a huge problem for the clubs interested in him.
about 1 month ago
It's probable that a compromise would be agreed upon. But then there's the universal problem of the credit crunch. This is a really balanced article that insightfully provides context for why he's considering leaving France.
He's attained a level of maturity, experience, and success that many of his contemporaries in France didn't before transferring abroad, and he would be virtually guaranteed regular selection with the majority of Europe's major clubs.
I have to admit that I'd prefer him to stay until at least the beginning of next season, á la Jeremy Toulalan. The quality of Ligue 1 can never appreciably improve and develop if it's youth remain convinced that they only further their career abroad, irrespective of whether they'll feature prominently in X's first team.
from about 1 month ago
Like i said, it's time for him to face new challenges. You're right about the youth feeling that they can only further their career elsewhere. Samir Nasri left Marseille, his boyhood club, for Arsenal. There have been many others. I'd like to see how Benzema performs in the EPL, La Liga, or Serie A.
about 1 month ago
Like i said, it's time for him to face new challenges. You're right about the youth feeling that they can only further their career elsewhere. Samir Nasri left Marseille, his boyhood club, for Arsenal. There have been many others. I'd like to see how Benzema performs in the EPL, La Liga, or Serie A.
about 1 month ago
Last year, amid speculation, Benzema made it very clear, with much confidence, that he has a plan for his career--a very specific plan--that ends with him being the best in the world. I don't expect too many big names to move in the January window, although I do expect Real Madrid to pickup a striker, and I have been thinking Drogba or a Tevez, but again, it's more likely these moves take place in the summer. Good article! I would love Benzema at United. His two-footedness is remarkable.
from about 1 month ago
Madrid definitely need to pick up a striker with Van Nistelrooy out. Rumour is that Vucinic from Roma could come over. I'd like to see Benzema play for any of the bigger teams.
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