~snip~
I thought that the additional year in Madrid was optional anyway, but I don't know exactly.
He is most certainly another highly paid and aged player who goes to Saudi Arabia.
Thinking about this trend that is quite new, it must be feeling bad for all those amazing players from the past who didn't have the opportunity to make a lot of money one more time just for going abroad for one or two years. Right now it is almost as if these players who have achieved something can count on this final huge payment at the end of their career. Will Ramos be the next I think as he is a free agent as well and wouldn't even cost anything besides the salary.
Oh yes you are right, it is an optional extra year. i forgot to mention it, and i just checked it. As you said, Benzema is now 35 years old. the question is whether he will just wait for Madrid to find a replacement and then let him sit on the bench. it seems, that scenario has been carefully thought out by Benzema. that's why, he has to accept the offer from Al Ittihad. after all, the salary on offer is very fantastic at his current age. in fact, he could be much better playing there with the level of the existing players. I don't mean to belittle the Saudi League, but because Bemzema is a star. he should still be able to quickly adapt to his new club.
Now, the Saudi Pro League is becoming a new trend for star players who can be said to be approaching retirement. if someone is offered a fantastic salary, it seems difficult to refuse.
On the other hand, let alone Ramos, who has been rumored to be leaving for the Saudi League. in fact, it is possible that Busquets, Jordi Alba, will also be willing to play there if offered a fantastic salary. what is their goal, none other than so that all the eyes of the world are on Saudi. by the way, this is just my personal opinion.