Karim Benzema Agrees $321m Deal With Al-Ittihad But Cristiano Ronaldo Will Still Be Highest-Paid Player In Saudi Arabia... For Now

Karim Benzema is reportedly set to receive a hefty pay rise when he joins Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad later this month.

The 35-year-old will join Al-Ittihad on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract with Real Madrid.

But the deal will still cost Al-Ittihad a pretty penny, with the Daily Mail reporting that Benzema has agreed to earn a tax-free salary worth €100 million ($107m) per year.

Benzema is expected to sign a three-year contract, meaning he is set to earn $321m if he stays for the full duration.

The Frenchman will also receive extra payments should he publicly support Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Karim Benzema pictured at the 2022 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony in Paris

IMAGO/PanoramiC/JBAutissier

But Benzema will not be the highest-earning footballer in the Saudi Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in January, is said to be taking home $214m per year.

Meanwhile, Al-Hilal are keen to recruit Lionel Messi and it is understood that he will earn even more than Ronaldo if he signs this summer.

Al-Ittihad, Al Nassr and Al-Hilal finished first, second and third respectively in this season's Saudi Pro League.

All three clubs were recently taken over by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

The PIF also owns LIV Golf and English Premier League club Newcastle United.