The wages Karim Benzema has earned in Saudi Arabia since joining Al Ittihad

"What made me come here [Saudi Arabia]? Well, with everything I've made and gained with Real Madrid, I think it was for me the good moment to try a new challenge," said Karim Benzema.

The former Real Madrid forward regurgitated the same spiel coughed up by so many of those who made the switch to Saudi Arabia last summer, waxing lyrical about the 'project' at Al Ittihad.

However, having increased his salary tenfold and some, it's hard to believe this significant pay rise wasn't a major factor in his decision.

Benzema has subsequently made nine appearances for Al Ittihad, scoring five goals and producing three assists in front of sparse crowds in Jeddah. The French international has been at the club for almost five months, accumulating some serious funds during his time in Asia.

Let's look at the staggering amount Benzema has earned since his Saudi transfer.

How much does Karim Benzema earn at Al Ittihad?

Benzema, who is well-known for his expensive car collection, was already earning a fortune at Real Madrid before his summer departure. According to reports, the 35-year-old was bringing home £14.5m per year, a figure which roughly equates to just over £275,000-a-week.

That total, of course, doesn't take into consideration Benzema's private earnings via sponsorship deals, advertising and business ventures.

However, his new salary at Al Ittihad makes a mockery of his Madrid income. Having signed a three-year deal with the Saudi side, Benzema is now on a staggering £172m per year - approximately £3.3m-a-week.

Such astronomical figures means he is now earning almost 12 times as much as he was in the Spanish capital, and he isn't even the Saudi Pro League's highest earner. Bonkers.

How much has Karim Benzema earned at Al Ittihad so far?

Despite having been at Al Ittihad for just over four months, Benzema has already amassed a fortune. The five-time Champions League winner has been at the Saudi Pro League side for 20-and-a-half weeks, building on his already vast earnings.

In that period, Benzema will have earned just shy of £68m, a staggering total for a man who has played just nine games during this time. That works out at £7.5m per match and £13.6m per goal.

If Benzema stays for the entire three years of his contract, he will earn £516m, a total that could pay Luton Town's current annual salary for almost 23 years.

It's a pretty lucrative 'project' to be a part of for the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner.

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