JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad has reached an agreement with French striker Karim Benzema to sign him up on a two-year deal, Al Ekhbariya television station reported on Sunday as Real Madrid announced that the French superstar will be leaving the club.

Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is set to join Al Ittihad as a free agent after Real Madrid said earlier in the day that the 35-year-old would leave the La Liga club after 14 trophy-laden years.

The report said Al Ittihad’s chairman and vice chairman were in Madrid to hammer out a “record deal” with Benzema.

“Real Madrid and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to put an end to his brilliant and unforgettable era as a player at our club,” said Los Blancos in a statement on Sunday.

“Madrid want to show their gratitude and all their love to someone who is one of our greatest legends.”

More superstars are heavily linked this week with moves to Saudi Arabia, including World Cup champion Lionel Messi. — Agencies