AC Milan and Marseille are reportedly still in negotiations over the possibility of loaning Ismael Bennacer to the Ligue 1 side for another season.
The 27-year-old joined Marseille on loan in the January transfer window and went on to make 12 appearances for the club in the second half of the campaign.
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Although the Algerian international seemingly did enough to convince Marseille that they want him back for next season, it’s reported that it might be on another temporary basis.
According to Daniele Longo, the Rossoneri are in discussions with the French club over loaning Bennacer back to them for another season, as they have opted not to exercise their option to buy in the initial agreement.
Time will tell what Milan’s response to that is, while it also remains to be seen if there is interest from elsewhere in signing Bennacer outright after what he showed last season, and so there could yet be a twist in determining where his future lies.
The combative midfielder’s contract with us runs until June 2027, and so perhaps another loan stint would work out, provided that it ends in a permanent exit next summer before losing him for nothing becomes a risk.
With Milan reportedly entering into talks with Marseille though, that would suggest that Massimiliano Allegri doesn’t envisage Bennacer being part of his plans next season, and so the significant rebuild at the club continues with more influential figures in recent years set to move on.
Having been such a pivotal presence in our midfield after his move from Empoli in 2019, it’s a shame to see how injuries and loss of form coupled with increased competition for places has seen Bennacer drop out of favour and now seemingly on the verge of moving elsewhere again next season. Coupled with other exits, Milan have to act this summer in terms of bringing in reinforcements to fill those voids and take us forward on a more successful path.
Provided all parties are keen on the idea of an extension to his loan spell with Marseille as opposed to a permanent departure, it looks as though Bennacer could be back playing in France next season rather than being part of Allegri’s rebuild at San Siro.
