Ismael Bennacer, the Algeria international midfielder, has taken a significant step towards securing a move away from AC Milan by signing with new agency Lian Sports Group. This move is seen as a strategic decision by Bennacer to take control of his own destiny and find a new club willing to pay a transfer fee and take his wages off Milan's books.

Background

Bennacer joined Milan in 2019 for a fee of €17.2m from Empoli, but his career was derailed by a devastating knee injury in May 2023. Despite attempts to revive his career with loans at Olympique Marseille and Dinamo Zagreb, Bennacer has struggled to regain his form and find a permanent place in the Milan squad.

Current Situation

With his contract set to expire in June 2027, Bennacer and Milan are eager to find a permanent solution. The midfielder has no place in the new-look squad assembled by coach Ruben Amorim, and his wages are a significant burden on the club's finances. The loan deal with Dinamo Zagreb included a €10m option to buy, which was not activated, leaving Bennacer's future uncertain.

What's Next

The signing with Lian Sports Group is seen as a positive step towards finding a new club for Bennacer. With the agency's expertise and network, Bennacer hopes to attract interest from potential suitors and secure a move away from Milan. The player's representatives will work closely with the agency to identify potential destinations and negotiate a transfer fee and contract terms that satisfy all parties involved.

Our Take

We believe that Bennacer's decision to sign with Lian Sports Group is a shrewd move, giving him the best chance to revive his career and find a new club where he can thrive. Milan, on the other hand, will be relieved to offload Bennacer's wages and focus on rebuilding their squad. This move is a win-win for both parties, and we expect Bennacer to find a new club soon.

What This Means

The move has significant implications for both Bennacer and Milan. For Bennacer, it means a fresh start and a chance to revive his career, while for Milan, it means offloading a significant wage burden and freeing up resources to invest in new talent. The transfer fee and contract terms will be crucial in determining the success of this move, and we expect intense negotiations in the coming weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ismael Bennacer's current contract situation?

Bennacer is under contract with AC Milan until June 2027

Why did Bennacer sign with Lian Sports Group?

Bennacer signed with Lian Sports Group to secure a move away from AC Milan and find a new club willing to pay a transfer fee and take his wages off Milan's books

What is the expected transfer fee for Bennacer?

The expected transfer fee for Bennacer is not disclosed, but it is believed to be lower than the €17.2m Milan paid for him in 2019