Bayer Leverkusen make contact with Karim Benzema over shock move

France international of Algerian descent Karim Benzema could make a surprise return to European football, with German Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen reportedly exploring a move for the veteran French striker.

According to reports, Leverkusen have identified the 38-year-old as a concrete target and have already made direct contact with the former Real Madrid star to assess the possibility of bringing him to Germany.

Benzema is reportedly open to the idea of joining Leverkusen and is understood to be interested in learning more about the club’s project before making a decision.

The French forward has also reportedly contacted former teammates Lucas Vázquez and Moussa Diaby to gather information about life at the Bundesliga club and gain further insight into the team, its ambitions and the conditions surrounding a potential move.

However, despite the initial interest from both sides, negotiations are expected to be complicated by Benzema’s financial demands.

The striker’s contractual situation following his time with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal remains a major factor, while his substantial salary expectations could prove difficult for Leverkusen to accommodate.

Leverkusen’s management is therefore carefully assessing whether a financial compromise can be reached that would allow them to sign the experienced forward without breaking the club’s established wage structure.

Benzema would bring a wealth of experience to the Bundesliga, having enjoyed a hugely successful career at Real Madrid, where he became one of the club’s greatest goalscorers and won multiple major trophies, including the UEFA Champions League and five La Liga titles.

The Frenchman also won the 2022 Ballon d’Or after producing a remarkable campaign with Real Madrid.

A move to Leverkusen would represent an unexpected chapter in Benzema’s career and could hand him another opportunity to compete at the highest level of European football.

For now, Leverkusen are weighing up the financial implications of the deal, with the player’s salary likely to determine whether the Bundesliga club can turn their interest into a concrete agreement.