Al Ittihad Start Talks with AC Milan for Ismael Bennacer Transfer

Al Ittihad are speaking to AC Milan to try and sign Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer. They want to strengthen their midfield this summer. The Saudi Arabian club is also checking other options.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Al Ittihad have begun talks with AC Milan to buy Ismael Bennacer. He was on loan at Marseille for the second half of last season. Bennacer, 27, played in 12 matches for the French team and gave two assists. After coming back to Milan, his future is unsure. He is reportedly not in new coach Massimiliano Allegri’s plans. Bennacer’s contract ends in 2027. Milan values him at €40 million, although his release clause is €50 million. Al Ittihad are not the only team interested. Teams from Spain and France are also watching.

AL ITTIHAD’S PLANS FOR THE NEW SEASON

Al Ittihad finished as winners in the Saudi Pro League last year. They won a historical title leaving previous champions Al Hilal in second, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in 3rd. The management wants to strengthen the midfield for a repeat of the league title. Apart from Bennacer, the club has added Zenit’s Wendel to its list. They want a creative player to control possession.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BENNACER AND AC MILAN?

Bennacer’s future is uncertain at Milan. He was not a regular starter before his loan, and the club is looking to change its midfield. If a deal is finalized, Bennacer could join Al Ittihad for pre-season soon. Meanwhile, AC Milan want to use the money from his possible sale to bid for Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Manu Kone or Ardon Jashari, with whom Milan did not agree on a transfer fee yet despite agreeing on personal terms with the player already. Al Ittihad’s first league match of the new season is against Al Taawoun. They finished just above Al Ittihad last year. Milan’s first Serie A campaign starts against Cremonese.