Leverkusen step up Karim Benzema pursuit
- A K. Benzema move to Bayer Leverkusen is gathering pace — 3 reports describe concrete progress (fee, terms or medical).
- The reporting is well-sourced (100% credibility), led by Bild, putting it at roughly 30% to complete.
Story log
- 22 SeptStory opened — 11 sources (Fichajes.net, Yahoo Sports (analysis reporting on the Benzema linkage), Ilyes Kaddouri / DZfoot (reported via his X account), Bild)
What the reports say
- Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes denies Leverkusen are pursuing Benzema, saying the squad is complete (reaction to reports of contact). — Bild
- Leverkusen 'close door' reaction after reports Benzema made contact with the club — story traces back to Ilyes Kaddouri's exclusive. — Goal
- Reports link Karim Benzema with potential moves back to European clubs after exit from Al-Hilal; media coverage describes Leverkusen interest and collapsed Lyon talks (interest/approaches reported). — Yahoo Sports (analysis reporting on the Benzema linkage)
- Reports that Benzema is a topic in the Bundesliga after leaving Al‑Hilal, based on DZfoot / Ilyes Kaddouri's reporting of contact with Leverkusen. — 4-4-2 (Bundesliga coverage)
K. Benzema is a 38-year-old centre-forward at Al-Hilal Saudi FC, enjoying a standout season — 1 goals and 0 assists in 2 appearances, a Season grade of 7. On long-term scout potential he's rated 4.4. A seasoned veteran, he has been a fringe squad member (10.5% of available minutes). He brings 0.56 goal contributions per 90 (0.56 goals, 0 assists). Below: strengths, watch-points, market-value outlook and the latest transfer news on Benzema.
Also this season: 4 apps, 4g at Al-Ittihad FC.
- BBildBayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes denies Leverkusen are pursuing Benzema, saying the squad is complete (reaction to reports of contact).ConcreteNamed sourceDenialMixed 63%
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes denies Leverkusen are pursuing Benzema, saying the squad is complete (reaction to reports of contact).
14 SeptRead full article → - GGoalLeverkusen 'close door' reaction after reports Benzema made contact with the club — story traces back to Ilyes Kaddouri's exclusive.Mixed 54%
Leverkusen 'close door' reaction after reports Benzema made contact with the club — story traces back to Ilyes Kaddouri's exclusive.
15 SeptRead full article → - YYahoo Sports (analysis reporting on the Benzema linkage)Reports link Karim Benzema with potential moves back to European clubs after exit from Al-Hilal; media coverage describes Leverkusen interest and collapsed Lyon talks (interest/approaches reported).Mixed 50%
Reports link Karim Benzema with potential moves back to European clubs after exit from Al-Hilal; media coverage describes Leverkusen interest and collapsed Lyon talks (interest/approaches reported).
1d agoRead full article → - 44-4-2 (Bundesliga coverage)Reports that Benzema is a topic in the Bundesliga after leaving Al‑Hilal, based on DZfoot / Ilyes Kaddouri's reporting of contact with Leverkusen.Mixed 50%
Reports that Benzema is a topic in the Bundesliga after leaving Al‑Hilal, based on DZfoot / Ilyes Kaddouri's reporting of contact with Leverkusen.
14 SeptRead full article → - AAntena Sport (Romania)Report that Benzema is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen, citing Ilyes Kaddouri's X post; notes ambassador contract with Saudi Pro League to 2030 is an obstacle.Mixed 50%
Report that Benzema is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen, citing Ilyes Kaddouri's X post; notes ambassador contract with Saudi Pro League to 2030 is an obstacle.
14 SeptRead full article → - TTransferGrapevine (aggregation / transfer tracker)TransferGrapevine summary: reports that talks/opened interest between Bayer Leverkusen and Karim Benzema per Ilyes Kaddouri.Mixed 50%
TransferGrapevine summary: reports that talks/opened interest between Bayer Leverkusen and Karim Benzema per Ilyes Kaddouri.
14 SeptRead full article → - IIlyes Kaddouri / DZfoot (reported via his X account)Exclusive: Ilyes Kaddouri reports direct contact was established between Karim Benzema and Bayer Leverkusen (Benzema discussed the project with Moussa Diaby and Lucas Vázquez).Mixed 50%
Exclusive: Ilyes Kaddouri reports direct contact was established between Karim Benzema and Bayer Leverkusen (Benzema discussed the project with Moussa Diaby and Lucas Vázquez).
13 SeptRead full article → - FFussballTransfers (Germany)Multiple outlets report that contact took place between Benzema and Leverkusen (source: Ilyes Kaddouri); Leverkusen say squad is complete.ConcreteNamed sourceLow-trust 30%
Multiple outlets report that contact took place between Benzema and Leverkusen (source: Ilyes Kaddouri); Leverkusen say squad is complete.
14 SeptRead full article → - 990min (Germany/Europe edition)Coverage of the Benzema–Leverkusen rumours and Leverkusen's denial; frames story as originating from DZfoot / Ilyes Kaddouri's claim of contact.Low-trust 30%
Coverage of the Benzema–Leverkusen rumours and Leverkusen's denial; frames story as originating from DZfoot / Ilyes Kaddouri's claim of contact.
14 SeptRead full article → - YYahoo Sports (syndicated coverage)News roundup reporting Leverkusen denied interest after DZfoot's Ilyes Kaddouri claimed contact — Yahoo Sports (syndicated) covers the denial and the initial claim.DenialLow-trust 27%
News roundup reporting Leverkusen denied interest after DZfoot's Ilyes Kaddouri claimed contact — Yahoo Sports (syndicated) covers the denial and the initial claim.
14 SeptRead full article → - FFichajes.netKarim Benzema has been linked with contact/interest from Bayer Leverkusen after leaving Al-Hilal (reported contact/interest, not agreed).ConcreteNamed sourceLow-trust 20%
Karim Benzema has been linked with contact/interest from Bayer Leverkusen after leaving Al-Hilal (reported contact/interest, not agreed).
1d agoRead full article →