Newcastle await Benzema's final decision on Europe

Newcastle have emerged as a potential option for Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid striker, should he decide to return to European football in the near future.

Karim Benzema is 39 years old and has become a free agent after leaving Al-Hilal. However, his ambassadorial agreement with the Saudi Public Investment Fund may complicate his move outside the Saudi Pro League.

Newcastle is owned by the Public Investment Fund, which could give the English club an indirect advantage if there is a genuine desire for the French striker to return to the European continent.

There are currently no indications that Newcastle are in official negotiations with Karim Benzema, nor is there any information confirming that the club's management is taking actual steps to sign him.

Olympique Lyon had attempted during the summer transfer window to explore the possibility of bringing back Karim Benzema, having contacted an intermediary regarding the player, a fact confirmed by Matthieu Louis-Jean, the club's sporting director.

Luis Jean said: "It is true that there was communication with an intermediary this summer regarding Karim, for me, it did not go beyond that, as it was impossible due to Benzema's contractual situation."

He added: "Karim Benzema is an exceptional player, and we didn't even try to go further than that because we knew how difficult the situation was."

Karim Benzema is reportedly linked to a sponsorship agreement with the Saudi Public Investment Fund until 2030, worth tens of millions of euros annually.

The report indicates that the player's continued access to these benefits is practically linked to two options: either retiring from football or continuing his career with a club in the Saudi Pro League.

Karim Benzema's move to a club outside Saudi Arabia could lead to the cancellation of the agreement, making his return to Europe financially burdensome, despite having the freedom to negotiate as a player without a club.

Newcastle stands out in this case due to its ownership by the Public Investment Fund, which could open the door for a formula that allows Karim Benzema to play in Europe while still being linked to Saudi promotional interests.

However, there is currently no information about the existence of a clause in Karim Benzema's agreement that allows him to play for Newcastle, nor have any signs emerged of the club starting official negotiations to sign him.

Lyon's incomplete attempt confirms that Benzema's future is not just about choosing a European club and signing with it, as his current association with Saudi Arabia is a crucial factor in determining his next move.

If Karim Benzema decides to return to European football, Newcastle could be a logical option to explore, but the idea remains within the realm of possibilities and has not yet turned into formal negotiations.