Karim Benzema to Join Real Madrid

On July 1, Sky Sports reported that Real Madrid completed their third major move in the second Galácticos era under club president Florentino Perez as Real Madrid have signed Lyon striker Karim Benzema in a transfer that is believed to be worth at least £30million.

This move wasn't expected to come this summer, as Benzema stated that he wanted to stay at Lyon to ensure a spot on the French National team for next year's World Cup. However he will now play at the Bernabéu starting next year.

Earlier in this summer's transfer window, it was believed that Benzema would join Manchester United to be a replacement for fellow Galácticos member Cristiano Ronaldo, but Benzema denied that he would join United in late June.

According to Lyon, Benzema informed president Jean Michel Aulas of his wish to join Real Madrid several days ago, as he wanted to play with some of the best players in the world.

Lyon then finished the move earlier today, and Benzema's deal could eventually be worth up to €41m.