Reports originating from Italy suggest that Al-Ittihad, a prominent club in the Saudi Pro League, is actively involved in negotiations with AC Milan concerning the potential transfer of Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer.
According to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, citing IlMilanista, these discussions between the two clubs are already well underway for the player, whom the Rossoneri have reportedly placed on their transfer list.
Bennacer spent the 2024-25 season on loan with Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille in Ligue 1. However, the French club ultimately opted not to convert his temporary stay into a permanent transfer.
Ismael Bennacer: A Curious Decline and Impending Milan Departure
The trajectory of Ismael Bennacer`s career presents a rather curious case. At 27 years old, the former Arsenal and Empoli midfielder should ideally be at the very peak of his professional abilities. Yet, it appears this prime period may have arrived and departed more swiftly than anticipated.
The Algerian international featured in 31 matches and was a crucial component of Milan’s Scudetto-winning squad in the 2021-22 season. Nevertheless, in the subsequent seasons, his playing opportunities gradually diminished, leading to his eventual loan spell at Marseille in February.
During his time with the Ligue 1 outfit, the 27-year-old participated in just 12 games before the club made the decision not to activate the buy-out clause stipulated in his loan agreement.
Currently, a move to Saudi Arabia appears to be on the horizon for Bennacer, with Al-Ittihad significantly escalating their efforts to secure his signature in recent days.
