Ismael Bennacer has left Milan after the club ended the 27-year-old midfielder’s contract by mutual consent, with the Algeria international expected to join Qatar-based side Al-Gharafa during the current summer transfer window.
Bennacer’s departure brings an end to his six-year association with the Italian club. He joined Milan from Empoli in the summer of 2019 in a deal worth 16 million euros, having established himself as a highly regarded midfielder before making the move.
During his time at Milan, Bennacer helped the club win the Italian championship and the Italian Super Cup. He was part of the team that secured domestic success, although his final two seasons with the club were spent away from San Siro on loan.
The midfielder spent the first of those campaigns with Marseille before moving to Dinamo Zagreb for the second. His return to Milan has now been followed by the termination of his contract, with both parties agreeing to end their arrangement.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Al-Gharafa are set to become Bennacer’s next club. The move is expected to be completed in the ongoing summer transfer window.
Bennacer’s reported market value is currently eight million euros. His prospective move to Al-Gharafa would mark the latest stage of a career that has included spells in Italy, France and Croatia since he arrived at Empoli before joining Milan.
At 27, the midfielder leaves Milan following a period in which he won major domestic honours but spent the closing years of his contract away from the club. His next challenge is expected to come in Qatar with Al-Gharafa, once the transfer is finalised.
