Ismaël Bennacer’s future still tied to Marseille as AC Milan exit nears

Ismaël Bennacer’s departure from AC Milan appears increasingly likely, and despite earlier signs pointing away from a move to Marseille, the French club may still be in contention to secure his signature.

The 27-year-old midfielder, once seen as central to Milan’s plans, has struggled to regain a consistent place in the starting lineup since returning from injury.

His absence from the squad during the club’s recent preparations has further fuelled speculation over his future, with Milan reportedly open to letting him leave this summer.

Bennacer, a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner with Algeria and recipient of both the Best Young Player and Best Player awards at the tournament, remains one of the highest-paid players at the San Siro.

While Saudi side Al Ittihad were recently linked with the Algerian international — a claim reported by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano — sources close to the player suggest that Bennacer has not ruled out staying in Europe, and Marseille in particular continues to hold strong appeal.

Though the possibility of a move to OM had seemed to cool in recent weeks, fresh developments suggest the Ligue 1 club may reignite their pursuit.

According to Gianluigi Longari of Sportitalia, Marseille are now back in the frame and are exploring the possibility of bringing in Bennacer on more financially favourable terms.

A key factor in this renewed interest is the recent departure of Valentin Rongier to Rennes, which has left a notable gap in OM’s midfield.

With a demanding season ahead — potentially spanning over 50 fixtures across all competitions — the club is actively seeking reinforcements to bolster squad depth and quality in the centre of the park.

For Bennacer, the appeal of Marseille goes beyond just playing time. The midfielder is believed to be drawn to the prospect of competing in a high-intensity footballing environment, close to family, and under a manager he holds in high regard.

Additionally, the opportunity to return to the UEFA Champions League stage — a platform he has graced before with Milan — is another compelling factor that could influence his decision.

Despite initial reports suggesting that OM had moved on to other targets, the club now appears to be reconsidering, especially as they evaluate the squad’s readiness for a long and demanding campaign.

Negotiations are understood to be at a preliminary stage, with Marseille seeking to strike a deal that aligns with both their budget and Bennacer’s expectations.

The midfielder’s future is far from settled, but with Milan ready to part ways and Marseille showing renewed interest, a move to the Stade Vélodrome cannot be ruled out.

For now, both player and club remain open to discussions, and with weeks remaining in the transfer window, the situation remains fluid.

Marseille’s next move could be decisive in shaping where Bennacer plays his football this season — and whether his story in Ligue 1 is just beginning.