Real Madrid signs Karim Benzema to 5-year contract extension

Real Madrid has made plenty of noise in the transfer market this summer, signing some of the brightest stars from this year's World Cup in the form of James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Keylor Navas.

Wednesday, the club turned its attention inwards and took care of one of its own.

Short of a full-blown ceremony on the pitch - which is the standard for new signings - Benzema had to settle for a shiny photo in front of Real Madrid's extensive trophy cabinet.

The Frenchman, 26, has endured transfer speculation ever since his move to the Santiago Bernabéu from Lyon in 2009, despite the fact that he has consistently found the back of the net during his time in the Spanish capital.

With the transfer of Alvaro Morata to Juventus, Benzema is now the only recognized striker on Carlo Ancelotti's roster. While rumors continue to swirl over the possibility of a move for Radamel Falcao, Benzema's production over the years (72 league goals since joining the club) should erase any fears if he is indeed the sole striker on the books once the season starts.

He scored 24 goals in all competitions last season, comprising one-third of the most potent attack in the world alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, and helped Los Blancos capture their ever-elusive 10th Champions League title.