Ismaël Bennacer’s future at Olympique de Marseille remains uncertain as the Ligue 1 club seeks to retain the Algerian international, but only under revised terms.
Bennacer, 27, arrived at the Stade Vélodrome late in the January transfer window from AC Milan on a loan deal valued at €12 million, which included an option to buy.
Initially seen as a significant addition to bolster Marseille’s midfield, his impact has since been tempered by a string of minor injuries and inconsistent performances.
Despite showing glimpses of his quality, including providing two assists in 12 league appearances, the club remains unconvinced about triggering the permanent purchase clause.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Marseille are now pushing for a renewed loan deal, once again with an option to buy, rather than a permanent transfer this summer.
Complicating matters further is Bennacer’s salary, reportedly in excess of €5 million annually. The financial commitment involved has raised concerns at Marseille, who are mindful of their budget constraints heading into the new season.
The club’s leadership views a second loan as a less risky solution while allowing them to further assess the midfielder’s fitness and long-term value to the squad.
The ball now appears to be in AC Milan’s court. It remains to be seen whether the Serie A side, who are reportedly open to moving on from the player, will accept Marseille’s proposed terms. A renewed loan may not align with Milan’s intentions if they are seeking a clean financial break and permanent resolution.
Bennacer’s situation presents a complex dilemma for all parties involved. For Marseille, he represents a player with undeniable talent and top-level experience, but whose recent form has not fully justified a significant outlay.
For Milan, it’s an opportunity to offload a player no longer central to their plans, albeit at terms that may fall short of their valuation.
The midfielder, who remains a key figure for the Algerian national team, is believed to be open to continuing in Ligue 1. His desire for regular playing time and a stable role could favour an extended stay in Marseille if a deal can be struck between the two clubs.
Bennacer’s tenure at Milan had been marked by both promise and setbacks, including periods of strong performances interspersed with injury layoffs.
His move to Marseille was seen as a chance to reignite his career, and while flashes of his ability have been evident, his influence has not yet been sustained.
As the summer transfer window approaches, discussions are expected to intensify. Marseille’s interest in retaining Bennacer under revised conditions reflects their cautious optimism.
However, without flexibility from Milan and possibly from the player himself regarding wage expectations, the prospect of his remaining in France beyond the summer is far from guaranteed.
With negotiations ongoing, the final decision is likely to hinge on whether all sides can reach a compromise that balances ambition with financial reality.
