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Jurgen Klopp is giving his Liverpool midfield a much needed rejig ahead of a crucial season which will see them fail to take part in the Champions League for the first time since 2016/2017.

The likes of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita have all left the Anfield side, while the German has signed Alexis Mac Aillster and Dominik Szoboszlai, not only lowering the average age of his midfield, but also adding some extra fluidity and there will surely be one or two more to join throughout the transfer window.

In terms of outgoings, Klopp may move another few players on in order to lower his wage bill while raising funds for other purchases and Thiago Alcantara could potentially be a surprise departure.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Galatasaray vice-president Erden Timur has reportedly met with Thiago to discuss a potential move to the club this summer and with the 32-year-old nearer the end of his career rather than the start, it could prove to be an excellent opportunity for the Reds to raise some funds.

He started just 22 times across all competitions last term due to some injury issues and Klopp will be looking at bringing in someone considerably younger, with Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente being linked with a move, he could be the perfect heir for the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich gem.

Could Marcos Llorente replace Thiago?

A move could cost the club around £51m, and aged 28, he looks set to be entering his prime years, allowing him to shine at the Merseyside club for a few seasons at least.

Llorente and Thiago both typically operate at the heart of the midfield, yet the Madrid star is more forward-thinking, ranking in the top 3% across Europe’s big five leagues for progressive carries per 90 (3.43) and in the top 5% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 (3.15) whereas Thiago made only 0.92 progressive carries per 90 and took just 0.58 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, clearly suggesting Llorente would give Klopp a much more dangerous threat from midfield than the 32-year-old.

The midfielder ranked third in the Atletico squad for big chances created and fourth for key passes per game while even displaying his defensive nous by making 1.5 tackles per game, enough to rank him seventh out of the whole team and although Thiago made more tackles per game (2.4), what Llorente offers going forward is of potentially greater importance to Klopp.

Presenter Phil Kitromilides lauded him for being “athletic” while talent scout Jacek Kulig stated just a couple of years ago that “Marcos Llorente has become an incredible footballer” and it looks as though he has gone from strength to strength in the last couple of seasons.

Replacing Thiago with the 18-cap Spanish international appears to be a no-brainer. Not only is he four years younger, but he also offers a greater threat going forward and with injuries derailing Thaigo’s 2022/23 season, it could be time to move him on for a fee which would allow the Reds to pursue a midfielder in the shape of Llorente.

Djurgardens IF youngster Gideon Granstrom is on trial at Sunderland ahead of a potential move to the Championship club, according to the player's father and agent.

The player's father has said that the Black Cats must have "concrete interest" if they've invited Granstrom for a trial at the club.

What's the latest on Gideon Granstrom to Sunderland?

It remains to be seen whether or not Granstrom's trial at Sunderland is a successful one this summer, but the 17-year-old has certainly shown potential in the past.

Speaking about his son's trial at the Championship side, Granstrom's father, also his agent, told Swedish outlet Fotbol STHLM: "They caught his eye when he was with the Swedish U18 national team in Wales this summer. After the two international matches, he was invited to a pre-season tour with their U23 team when they wanted to take a closer look at him.

"He went there earlier this week and is doing his first training session today. He stays about ten days in total. They will spend one week on this tour, starting in Norwich, then finishing with three days at Sunderland.

"It's open. From our side, we focus on the sporting, it is instructive to come there and meet a different football culture and different way of playing.

"Then it's a blank slate what happens after that. We have had a dialogue with Bosse and Djurgården all the time, who are aware of the whole thing. But a club like Sunderland doesn't invite a player unless there is a concrete interest."

Who is Gideon Granstrom?

Still just 17, Granstrom could have a big decision to make regarding his future this summer. If it is to be Sunderland, then he'd follow the trend of young players to have come through the door under Tony Mowbray.

We've seen stars such as Amad Diallo thrive under the manager's guidance. And Granstrom will simply be looking to take a similar career trajectory as the Manchester United winger.

It would be quite the jump for him to go from Swedish football, where he has appeared in the squad only a select few times for Djurgardens without getting on the pitch, to then join Sunderland, who made the play-offs in the Championship last season.

It's likely that the teenager would be thrown into the U23s rather than any first-team action, should trials end successfully – it is there that he could take his development up another level or two.

As for Sunderland, as a whole, after suffering semi-final heartbreak against eventual play-off winners Luton Town, they'll be looking to go one better in the forthcoming campaign.

With the likes of relegated Leicester City, Leeds United, and Southampton to compete against, however, the Black Cats may struggle to cause as big a shock as last season when they secured a top six place in their first year back in England's second tier.

It is a squad full of surprises, though, so anything is still possible with plenty of time left in pre-season to continue preparations, and welcome further additions to Mowbray's increasingly impressive Championship squad.

Sunderland could yet find themselves with a teenage Swedish prodigy in the form of Granstrom, too, and sources don't come much closer than the own player's father/agent, so it'll be interesting to see how the interest pans out.

Liverpool are now considering a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure as a replacement for Fabinho, according to a recent report from The Liverpool Echo.

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

The Reds have already let a number of central midfielders leave the club this summer, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita all exiting, and there could still be a few more departures.

Jordan Henderson has now been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with journalist Ben Jacobs recently claiming that a fee still needs to be agreed between Liverpool and Steven Gerrard's new club, saying: "Now it's about Liverpool and Al-Ettifaq agreeing a fee, which is only thought to be somewhere in the region of £10million. I don't think that Liverpool will stand in his way."

Henderson has travelled to Germany for Liverpool's pre-season tour, but Fabrizio Romano has reported the Englishman has accepted the proposal from Al-Ettifaq, with Jurgen Klopp giving the green light for him to leave the club.

It has also been reported that Fabinho is now close to leaving, with the Brazilian on his way to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad for a fee of around £40m, having not travelled to Germany.

The Liverpool Echo have now reported that a list of replacements for Fabinho have now been drawn up, with Southampton's Romeo Lavia considered one of the main targets, while Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch is also an option.

Fulham's Joao Palhinha is also a possibility, with the Reds willing to widen the age profile of their potential signings, however the Portugal international is 28-years-old, and they would ideally prefer a younger player.

As such, 23-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder Doucoure is now among the players being considered, fresh off the back of a solid first season in the Premier League, having been named the Eagles' player of the year.

The former Lens man only arrived at Selhurst Park last summer, in a deal worth £21m, but he could already be on the move to Anfield.

How good is Cheick Doucoure?

There is evidence that the Mali international could be a quality replacement for Fabinho, given his stellar defensive attributes, ranking in the 97th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

The £60k-per-week Palace star has also averaged more tackles, blocks and clearances than the Brazilian during that timeframe, however his pass-completion rate is not quite up to par, having only averaged 83.2%.

Lauded as "incredible" by journalist Zach Lowy, the maestro had a fantastic first season in the Premier League, averaging 2.3 tackles per game, the highest amount of any player in the squad.

Fabinho turns 30 in October, and his form dipped considerably last season, with talkSPORT's Scott Minto claiming it was like his "twin brother" was playing, so it is probably a wise decision to let him leave.

Doucoure now has Premier League experience under his belt, having made 34 appearances last season, and at 23-years-old he could start for Liverpool in central midfield for years to come.

Burnley are eager to try and tie up a deal to bring Ian Maatsen back to Turf Moor on a permanent basis and have a fee in mind, according to The Sun.

What's the latest Burnley transfer news?

With the Clarets looking to push on and stay in the Premier League this season, rather than be thrown straight back down to the Championship, they'll need to ensure their recruitment is spot-on so they can compete in the top flight. Having already stormed to the second tier title last season, they'll be confident they can do that, but they must find the right balance of top-level reinforcements and continuity within the squad,

One name that looks as if he may be the subject of a bid from the Clarets is Aster Vrancx. He won't be cheap, with a fee of around £9m placed on his head, but it seems as though there is serious interest in his services from Turf Moor. The good news for the top tier side is that the midfielder is available on a deal – Wolfsburg are prepared to let him leave and whilst there is competition for his signature their hat seems firmly to be in the ring.

A long-standing target for the club is Jack Clarke at Sunderland too. Vincent Kompany's side have already bid twice for the winger to try and get the Black Cats to let him leave this summer, but so far they have been completely rebuffed in their advances for the young talent.

They're in the clear in terms of signing him though, as it looks as though the Clarets are the only team currently putting actual offers on the table for the attacker.

Are Burnley signing Ian Maatsen?

Now, according to a report from The Sun, there is also a fresh push from the Clarets to sign Maatsen again this summer. The newly promoted side want to try and wrap up a permanent deal for the defender and feel that a bid of around £10m with some add-ons could get a deal over the line – and it seems as though they are fully willing to pay that amount.

However, it's previously been reported that there are other clubs sniffing around last season's loan superstar, such as West Ham, and that means they may have to race to get a deal done. No official bid is on the table yet, but it looks as if Burnley then are desperate to try and sort out a fee to push through a switch to Turf Moor this window.

It's clear that boss Kompany does love Maatsen too – the manager stated that he had "great potential" and that he has to be "willing to work hard" but does that "terrifically". He's been full of praise for the youngster, and realising his potential to get even better, he no doubt wants that to happen at Turf Moor. If they can get a deal done, it will be another shrewd bit of business and clearly one the manager would be delighted about.

Tottenham Hotspur could be offered Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard in a part-exchange deal for star striker Harry Kane, according to reports.

Will Harry Kane leave Tottenham?

Only 12 months remain on Kane's current Spurs contract, and despite the club's efforts to tie him down with a mammoth new deal offer, there is still no sign of him extending any time soon.

Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy is now faced with one of the biggest decisions of his Spurs tenure to date – whether to sell Kane this window or keep him till his contract expires – if he doesn't pen fresh terms.

There are no shortage of sides interested in snapping up their star talisman, with Bayern Munich, Paris-Saint Germain and Man United among the lead contenders as things stand.

The saga is an unwelcome distraction for new Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, who recently admitted to the media that he is far from relaxed over Kane's situation.

"Fair to say I am not relaxed about it," said Postecoglou recently.

“It’s not something you go: ‘Ah, well, you know if it does or doesn’t happen!’ I mean it’s a very important part of this football club, not just the team, but the football club.

“So, you’ve got to deal with it, and I think, for everyone concerned, we don’t want to be doing it for too long. I don’t think that is good for anyone. I don’t think it is good for Harry, I don’t think it is good for the club."

Kane's contract will likely be a major talking point till the end of this window, with reports delivering new information on a regular basis.

As per 90min, there has been another development, with Bayern hatching a potential plan to steal away Kane from Spurs' clutches.

According to their information, the possibility of a part-exchange deal has been floated at the Allianz Arena, as Thomas Tuchel's side consider offering a player to sweeten the transfer.

It is believed France international Pavard, who won the World Cup with Les Bleus in 2018, "may be on the table" in this regard as Bayern prepare a club-record £86 million bid for Kane.

However, as of now, there is little to suggest Spurs will warm to this idea as they continue negotiations for defensive duo Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven.

How good is Benjamin Pavard?

The versatile 27-year-old can operate at right-back, across central defence and even in midfield – making him quite an enticing option for Postecoglou.

Pavard also ranked in Bayern's top two for tackles made, successful clearances and interceptions per 90 last season, all the while scoring four goals and managing an assist further forward (WhoScored).

The former Stuttgart star is a player of real quality on his day, with Tuchel recently hailing his "underrated" star to German media.

“He is an underrated player“, Tuchel said in a post-match press conference.

“He can adapt to the highest level and he defends rigorously. He is a top team player, he immediately had my confidence and proved to me that I had been right.”

Chelsea have been "in contact" with the agents of United States international and captain Tyler Adams in recent days to learn more about a potential "relegation clause" in his contract at Leeds United, claims transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Is Tyler Adams joining Chelsea?

The Blues have spent a large portion of this summer pursuing their primary transfer target, Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo, but with four offers already being rebuffed – the latest being worth £80m – they are continuing to look at other players to bolster their midfield.

According to the Daily Mail, Mauricio Pochettino's side are 'keen' to sign American international Adams from the recently relegated Leeds in the coming weeks and are willing to meet the Yorkshire side's £20m release clause to make it happen.

The publication has reported that the west Londoners want to try and secure the players' services before their opening game of the season against Liverpool on Sunday and that despite the player being of interest to Premier League rivals Aston Villa, the former Bundesliga star would favour a move to Stamford Bridge.

Read the latest Chelsea transfer news HERE…

However, whilst it may look like the Pensioners are looking at this deal as a potential backup should they fail to land Caicedo, transfers expert Fabrizio Romano has clarified that the two transfers are separate and not contingent on one another.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"Chelsea are also calling agents of other players in that position. For example, they had contact over the weekend with the agents of Tyler Adams to be informed on relegation clause but it's not something linked to Caicedo, it's two separate conversations."

How good is Tyler Adams?

It would be easy for those that haven't watched much of the American international over the last few years to just lump him in with the rest of the Leeds squad as a player simply not good enough for top-flight football, one that was responsible for the downfall of the Yorkshire side, but that would be an unfair assessment of his quality.

In just 24 league appearances for the Peacocks last season, the 24-year-old maintained a passing accuracy of 82.4% – the highest of any regular starter in the squad -, won 1.1 aerial duals a game and averaged a fairly respectable match rating of 6.73, per WhoScored.

His underlying numbers, particularly the defensive ones, are also quite impressive for a player that had to sit at the centre of an incredibly dysfunctional Leeds side, suggesting that were he surrounded with better quality players, he could reach higher levels than he already has.

According to FBref, which compares players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the 5 foot 9 "monster" sits in the top 1% for tackles, the top 3% for blocks, and the top 16% for interceptions, all per 90.

One of the tenacious midfielder's best traits cannot be measured or quantified with statistics: his leadership qualities.

Adams was made the captain of the USMNT just before the World Cup last year, and national team coach Greg Berhalter could not be more complimentary of the player's personality, saying:

"He is the general. He is the strategist. He's the guy that goes out there and leads by example. When he talks, people listen."

Ultimately, if Chelsea can get this deal done for as little as is being reported, it seems like a no-brainer and would surely strengthen both their midfield and the general mentality of the side going forward.

Burnley are reportedly preparing a move to sign Queens Park Rangers midfielder Sam Field and have made contact ahead of a potential transfer.

What’s the latest Burnley transfer news?

Vincent Kompany is currently preparing for the Premier League opener on Friday against treble winners Manchester City, but it looks as if work is still going on behind the scenes when it comes to further additions.

The Clarets have already nine signings, with Zeki Amdouni, James Trafford, Jordan Beyer, Dara O'Shea, Michael Obafemi, Luca Koleosho, Nathan Redmond, Lawrence Vigouroux and Jacob Bruun Larsen all sealing deals ranging from permanent moves, free transfers and loans.

One player who appears to be close to joining Kompany’s side is Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge. Talks have taken place over a potential move and Fabrizio Romano has said a deal is close with a verbal agreement with the Blades almost completed.

Alongside Berge, though, it looks as if Burnley could look to sign another midfielder in Field.

Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke shared an update regarding Field on Tuesday, claiming both Burnley and Rangers are big admirers of the player.

It is believed that sides have made contact over a deal by registering their interest and are plotting offers. Field is into the final 12 months of his Loftus Road contract, and it looks as if a move to either Turf Moor or Ibrox could be on the cards.

Who is Sam Field?

Field progressed through the academy at West Brom and went on to make 45 senior appearances for the Baggies – 22 of which came in the Premier League.

Primarily a holding midfielder who can also play further forward if needed, the 25-year-old spent time out on loan with Charlton Athletic and Queens Park Rangers before joining the latter on a permanent basis back in 2021.

Since then, the player has gone from strength to strength and won three awards at QPR last season, including Supporters’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year.

He appears to be in his prime with a career-high Transfermarkt valuation of €3m and has turned out on 97 occasions for The R’s, scoring four times, one of which came against the Clarets last season.

Field didn’t miss one Championship fixture last season as the club narrowly avoided relegation, and he has been hailed by one of his former coaches, Gary Megson, who said that Field is “big” and “one of the best two-footed players” he’s seen.

"If he can just grow into himself in terms of confidence and get that little bit of belief in himself it wouldn't surprise me if he goes on to have a real top-class career.

"He's big, he can run and he's got a great left foot. He's one of the best two-footed players I've seen and he's got a great amount going for him."

Therefore, it looks as if a move to Turf Moor could be one to keep an eye on in the final weeks of the window, however, Kompany’s side may need to beat Rangers in the race for Field's services, with the Scottish side able to offer European football at Ibrox.

Manchester United are believed to be considering a range of options in their bid to strengthen their centre-back ranks this summer, with a replacement seemingly needed for departing former skipper, Harry Maguire.

Will Man United replace Maguire?

With a £30m deal having been agreed with West Ham United for the sale of Maguire, journalist Graeme Bailey has since reported that the Red Devils have a number of potential targets who they could turn to in order to plug that gap, with Torino's Perr Schuurs among those to have been mentioned.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider revealed: "Man Utd are already working hard on centre-back options when Harry Maguire leaves the club. Benjamin Pavard, Jean-Clair Todibo, Perr Schuurs, Jarrad Branthwaite and Antonio Silva all discussed within Old Trafford."

Read the latest Manchester United transfer news HERE…

In his attached piece for 90min – alongside colleague Scott Saunders – Bailey went on to add that the Schuurs is a figure who is 'liked behind the scenes' at Old Trafford, with the 6 foot 3 Dutchman believed to have been valued at around £28m, amid interest from fellow Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspur.

How good is Perr Schuurs?

It may not come as a surprise to see United yet again linked with a player who has worked under manager Erik ten Hag previously, with the Dutch tactician having already secured reunions with the likes of Andre Onana, Antony and Lisandro Martinez during his time in Manchester to date.

In the case of Schuurs, the 23-year-old played alongside that trio at Ajax prior to making the move to Turin last summer, having scored three times in 94 appearances in all competitions from his centre-back berth under Ten Hag's watch.

That time in Amsterdam notably saw the Netherlands U21 international likened to one of his compatriots and former teammates, with Edwin Van der Sar stating in 2020 that he "looks very much like Matthijs De Ligt", with fellow United legend Rio Ferdinand also adding:

"I said at the time he reminded me a little bit of De Ligt, who they sold to Juventus. He was strong, an imposing defender who read the game very well. Once he gets his big legs going, he goes out there and is very determined.

"He’s assertive, he understands when to go in and make his tackles."

With De Ligt having been a firm favourite of Ten Hag – after being given the captain's armband at the age of just 18 at the Johan Cruyff Arena – it could represent a real masterstroke to be able to sign a potential clone of the Bayern Munich man.

There may be those wondering whether it may not be better to simply land De Ligt instead, although the former Juventus man is likely to come at a premium as he is valued at €60m (£53m) by CIES Football Observatory, having also been criticised for his form in Germany of late, as ex-Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge stated that both the 23-year-old – and Sadio Mane – "are not world-class players".

Schuurs, by contrast, has been particularly impressive in Italy of late, with the towering asset having been dubbed a "mountain" at the back by journalist Josh Bunting amid his stellar form in Serie A during the 2022/23 campaign.

That is showcased by the £29k-per-week man's defensive prowess in relation to his peers as he ranks in the top 20% in Europe's top five leagues among those in his position for tackles made per 90, while his ability on the ball is showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 19% for successful take-ons per 90 – illustrating his ease in possession.

That is in stark contrast to De Ligt, with the senior Netherlands international ranking in just the bottom 21% and the bottom 2% for those same two metrics, respectively, perhaps indicating that he has suffered since leaving his homeland.

Although the 6 foot 2 menace was the man who led Ajax's charge to the Champions League semi-final under Ten Hag back in 2018/19, the United boss could perhaps find a new defensive figurehead by turning to another familiar face in the form of Schuurs.

Nottingham Forest have made a move to sign Arsenal full-back Nuno Tavares, with Fabrizio Romano sharing whether or not a transfer could be permanent.

Are Nottingham Forest signing Nuno Tavares?

The Reds have been relatively quiet this summer in the transfer market compared to 12 months ago, with just four deals completed so far ahead of the September 1 deadline.

Chris Wood saw his loan move become permanent from Newcastle United, whereas Anthony Elanga has completed a move from Manchester United. Goalkeeper Matt Turner arrived from Arsenal and Ola Aina on a free transfer from Torino, but it looks as if Steve Cooper wants further additions ver the coming weeks, recently saying:

“I have to trust the club to crack on with the work. My work is to work with the team every day, come in every day and try to get the best out of them. That’s why, at half-time, I was telling them, ‘come on, guys, you can do better than this’.

“If we are able to add, great. If not, we’ll carry on. But in my opinion, we do need to add.”

It looks as if a new left-back appears to be of interest to those at the City Ground, with news on Arsenal defender Tavares emerging.

Romano took to X in the last 48 hours to share what he’s heard on Forest and a potential move for Tavares. The transfer expert claimed that the Reds have submitted a formal proposal to sign the full-back on a permanent basis, with talks ongoing with the player’s representatives.

“Nottingham Forest submit formal proposal to sign Arsenal left back Nuno Tavares on permanent deal. Forest trying top signing as new fullback as negotiations are still ongoing also on player side. Deal on.”

Who is Nuno Tavares?

Tavares is 23 years of age and is primarily a left-back who can also turn out as a right-back or a left-midfielder when required.

He made the move to the Emirates from Benfica back in 2021 but struggled during his first year in north London and was even replaced in the first half of an FA Cup clash at the City Ground following a poor display, reacting angrily to the decision.

However, he went on loan to Ligue 1 side Marseille last season and appeared to impress, resulting in his Transfermarkt valuation increasing to a career-high €18m.

Tavares made 39 appearances in all competitions for Marseille, with manager Igor Tudor hailing him as a player with “outstanding” running ability who could turn out for Real Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester City.

“Nuno’s still a young player but he has fantastic physical capabilities. He’s got an outstanding ability to run. He could play at Real, at Barcelona, at Man City… he still needs to grow and progress, we talk a lot to him.”

The full-back already has a year of experience in England with Arsenal, so could prove to be a shrewd signing if he is able to continue his form from France, and by the looks of things, a move is one to watch over the coming days.

Karim Benzema's early career is marked by exceptional talent and a rapid rise through the ranks of professional football. Born on December 19, 1987, in Lyon, France, he began playing for local club Bron Terraillon SC before catching the eye of Lyon's scouts.

At just 17, he made his senior debut for Lyon in January 2005. His remarkable goal-scoring ability and technical prowess quickly propelled him into the spotlight.

Benzema's breakthrough season came in 2007/2008, when he notched an impressive 31 goals across all competitions, a feat that showcased his versatility as a forward. His success contributed to Lyon's Ligue 1 triumphs during this period, establishing him as one of Europe's most promising talents.

His form at Lyon earned him a transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer of 2009. At Madrid, Benzema continued his goal-scoring exploits, forming a potent attacking trio alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and later Gareth Bale. He played a crucial role in Real Madrid's numerous La Liga and Champions League victories, becoming a linchpin of the team's success.

Benzema's record boasts a slew of individual accolades, including the Ballon d'Or. He is known for his clinical finishing, ability to create chances for teammates and exceptional football intelligence. Despite facing controversies and challenges throughout his career, Benzema's dedication to the sport and his enduring impact on the pitch has solidified his status as one of the modern era's most prolific strikers.

Karim Benzema at Lyon

Karim Benzema's tenure at Lyon marked the early stages of his remarkable football journey. After joining the club's youth academy, he swiftly ascended the ranks to the senior squad, making his debut at the age of 17. His natural talent and goal-scoring prowess became evident as he established himself as a vital player for the club.

During the 2007/2008 season, Benzema truly came into his own, showcasing his extraordinary abilities on the field. He netted an impressive 31 goals across all competitions, a feat that not only highlighted his goal-scoring instinct but also his ability to create opportunities for his teammates. This remarkable season propelled Lyon to the Ligue 1 title, showcasing Benzema's pivotal role in the team's success.

Beyond his goal-scoring exploits, Benzema's technical finesse, dribbling skills, and positional awareness made him a versatile asset in the attacking third. His exceptional performances led to him being named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year for the 2007/2008 season.

Benzema's time at Lyon also included milestones such as becoming the youngest player to reach 100 appearances for the club in the 2008/2009 season. His impressive record of 66 goals in 148 appearances for Lyon underscored his consistency and impact during his time there.

His outstanding performances did not go unnoticed, as Spanish giants Real Madrid secured his services in 2009. Despite moving on to new challenges, Benzema's years at Lyon remain a critical chapter in his career, serving as the foundation for his rise to becoming one of the world's most renowned strikers.

Benzema's Honours at Lyon

Ligue 1 (4)

2004/2005, 2005/2006, 2006/2007, 2007/2008

Coupe de France (1)

2007/2008

Trophee des Champions (2)

2006, 2007

Karim Benzema at Real Madrid

Karim Benzema's illustrious career at Real Madrid is a tale of sustained excellence, vital contributions and a legacy that has solidified him as one of the club's all-time greats. From his arrival in 2009 to the present day, his journey with the Spanish giants has been marked by numerous records, milestones, and unforgettable moments.

Benzema joined Real Madrid from Lyon in the summer of 2009 for £30m, with the hope of carrying his impressive goal-scoring form to La Liga. From the outset, he proved his worth as a dynamic and versatile forward, capable of both finding the back of the net and creating opportunities for his teammates.

One of his early achievements was the formation of the "BBC" trio alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. This trio became the centerpiece of Real Madrid's attack and was instrumental in their unprecedented success in domestic and continental competitions. Benzema's ability to link up play, hold up the ball and create space for his partners perfectly complemented Ronaldo's goal-scoring prowess and Bale's explosive pace.

The 2011/2012 season saw Benzema lift his first La Liga title with Real Madrid. His role in Jose Mourinho's team was crucial, not just for his goals, but for his selfless contributions that often went beyond statistics. His work rate, vision and ability to thrive in different tactical setups made him an integral part of Mourinho's game plans.

As time progressed, Benzema's influence only grew stronger. His adaptability to different managers' styles showcased his football intelligence and willingness to evolve. Under the guidance of Zinedine Zidane, Benzema reached new heights. Zidane utilized his unique skill set to its fullest, and Benzema played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's historic three consecutive Champions League titles from 2015 to 2018.

During this golden period, Benzema's name was etched in the club's history books. He became the first French player to score in three Champions League finals and his link-up play with his teammates, particularly Cristiano Ronaldo, was crucial in breaking down opposing defences.

Beyond his contributions in the Champions League, Benzema's domestic achievements continued to pile up. He was an instrumental part of Real Madrid's La Liga successes in the 2016/2017 and 2019/2020 seasons. His consistency in front of goal, combined with his vision to create opportunities, made him a complete forward capable of changing the course of matches on his own.

Benzema's ascent up Real Madrid's all-time scoring charts is a testament to his longevity and sustained brilliance. He joined the prestigious 200-goal club in September 2018 and continued to add to that tally for years afterwards.

Benzema's records and milestones extend beyond his contributions in front of goal. He holds the record for the most appearances by a foreign player for Real Madrid, a testament to his consistency and durability. Additionally, he is one of the few players in history to have scored in 14 consecutive La Liga seasons.

However, Benzema's journey has not been without challenges. He faced criticism at times, often unfairly compared to traditional goalscorers due to his multifaceted playing style. Moreover, his absence from the French national team for a period of time due to off-field controversies showcased the complexities of his career.

Despite these challenges, Benzema's impact on Real Madrid remains undeniable. He embodied the club's values of perseverance, excellence and commitment.

In June 2023, Real Madrid announced that Benzema would be leaving the club at the end of the 2022/2023 campaign. Just two days after that announcement, he was announced as the new free signing of Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, bringing in an end to the French striker's 14-year stay in the Bernabeu.

Benzema ended his Real Madrid career with 354 goals in 648 first-team appearances in all competitions.

Benzema's Honours at Real Madrid

La Liga (4)

2011/2012, 2016/2017, 2019/2020, 2021/2022

Copa del Rey (3)

2010/2011, 2013/2014, 2022/2023

Supercopa de Espana (3)

2012, 2017, 2021/2022

UEFA Champions League (5)

2013/2014, 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2021/2022

UEFA Super Cup (4)

2014, 2016, 2017, 2022

FIFA Club World Cup (5)

2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022

Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad

Benzema scored and assisted on his Al-Ittihad debut in July 2023 as his new club beat Esperence de Tunis 2-1 in the Arab Club Champions Cup.

To date, the Frenchman has scored three goals in five appearances in Saudi Arabia.

Karim Benzema with France

Karim Benzema's career with the France national team has been marked by moments of brilliance and controversy.

The journey that began in 2007 showcased his immense talent and his ability to make a significant impact on the international stage.

Benzema's international career took off in earnest during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where he played a pivotal role in helping France secure a spot in the finals. His ability to score crucial goals and link up with teammates highlighted his importance to the national team. However, his World Cup debut was marred by disappointment as France were eliminated in the quarter-finals.

While his skill on the field was evident, Benzema's international career was not without its share of controversies. He was notably left out of the French squad for Euro 2016 due to off-field issues. A very public rift with France manager Didier Deschamps also led to him being left out of the 2018 World Cup, which France went on to win.

It took five years for the striker to return to international action, with Benzema being officially included in France's squad for Euro 2020. In that tournament, Benzema scored four goals to win the Bronze Boot, despite France being eliminated by Switzerland in the round-of-16.

Benzema lifted his first silverware for France in 2021 when he played crucial role in his country winning the UEFA Nations League. It would also be the 27th title in his career, for both club and country, making him the most decorated Frenchan in football history.

A thigh injury forced Benzema to miss the 2022 World Cup as France went on to lose in the final to Argentina. The striker would still receive a medal, though, as he wasn't replaced in the squad, which he was initially included in before his injury. However, it was later claimed Benzema would've been fit enough to feature in the tournament but another rift with Deschamps prevented him from travelling to Qatar to take part.

In Decemeber 2022, Benzema announced his retirement from international football, ending his controversial France career with 37 goals in 97 appearances.

Benzema's Honours with France

UEFA Nations League (1)

2020/2021

Karim Benzema's Personal Accolades & Records

Karim Benzema's remarkable career is studded with personal records, awards and milestones that underscore his exceptional talent and enduring impact on the world of football.

The striker's crowning achievement is winning the Ballon d'Or in 2022. It would prove to be a pivotal moment in the history of the award, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominating since 2008. Only Luka Modric had won the award other than those two before Benzema beat Sadio Mane and Kevin De Bruyne to the title.

With numerous league and cup titles across France and Spain, Player of the Season awards and over 470 career goals for club and country, Benzema has won almost everything there is to win in the game, and is no known as the most decorated Frenchman in football history.

Benzema's Personal Honours

FIFA Ballon d'Or (1)

2022

UEFA Men's Player of the Year (1)

2021/2022

Golden Player Man Award (1)

2022

French Player of the Year (4)

2011, 2012, 2014, 2021

UEFA Champions League Player of the Season (1)

2021/2022

UEFA Champions League Top Scorer (1)

2021/2022

FIFA FIFPRO World XI (1)

2022

La Liga Player of the Season (2)

2019/2020, 2021/2022

Pichichi Trophy (1)

2021/2022

UEFA Champions League Top Assist Provider (1)

2011/2012

UEFA Champions League Team of the Season (1)

2021/2022

La Liga Team of the Season (5)

2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023

Ligue 1 Top Scorer (1)

2007/2008

Coupe de France Top Scorer (1)

2007/2008

Ligue 1 Player of the Year (1)

2007/2008

Ligue 1 Team of the Year

2007/2008

French Rookie of the Year (1)

2006

Supercopa de Espana Top Scorer (2)

2021/2022, 2022/2023

Real Madrid Player of the Season (4)

2015/2016, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2021/2022

UEFA European Championship Bronze Boot (1)

2020

UEFA Nations League Bronze Boot (1)

2021