Ismaël Bennacer set for Milan return after Dinamo Zagreb end deal

Ismaël Bennacer is set to return to AC Milan after Dinamo Zagreb decided not to activate their €10 million purchase option, bringing his short spell in Croatia to an early end.

The Croatian club has reportedly concluded that the fee represents too large an investment, opting against making the midfielder’s stay permanent following a loan period that failed to fully convince.

Bennacer, the Algeria international, joined Dinamo Zagreb on loan in search of regular playing time and a fresh start, but his performances have not been enough to secure a long-term commitment from the club.

As a result, he is now expected to head back to Milan once the current arrangement expires this summer.

However, a return to AC Milan does not appear to offer much stability for the midfielder. Despite being under contract, he is not expected to feature in the club’s plans going forward, with reports indicating that the Italian side have already made it clear he is not part of their strategy for the next season.

The situation places Bennacer in a difficult position as the summer transfer window approaches. He has been placed on the transfer list, meaning both the player and his representatives will now have to explore potential options in order to secure a new club.

Injuries and inconsistent playing time have disrupted his career in recent seasons, preventing him from building sustained momentum at club level.

His latest loan spell was seen as an opportunity to regain form and confidence, but it has instead led to further uncertainty over his long-term future.

With no clear pathway at Milan and a loan spell that has not resulted in a permanent move, Bennacer’s next steps remain open, as he looks for a new environment to rebuild his career.