Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer agrees AC Milan exit ahead of Al-Gharafa move

Algeria midfielder Ismael Bennacer is on the verge of joining Qatari side Al-Gharafa after reaching a verbal agreement to terminate his contract with AC Milan.

The move is expected to see the 27-year-old leave the Serie A club as a free agent, with negotiations over a mutual contract termination nearing completion before the deal is officially confirmed.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that all parties have agreed in principle, leaving only the completion of legal formalities and the signing of the relevant documents before an announcement is made.

End of a successful Milan spell

Bennacer’s departure will bring an end to a successful period at the San Siro, where the Algerian established himself as one of Milan’s most influential midfielders.

During his time with the Rossoneri, he played a pivotal role in the club’s Serie A title-winning campaign and featured regularly in both domestic and European competitions, earning a reputation as one of Africa’s leading midfielders.

Fresh start in Qatar

The switch to Al-Gharafa marks a new chapter for the Algerian international after recent seasons were disrupted by recurring injuries that restricted his playing time and impacted his performances.

Before agreeing to join Al-Gharafa, Bennacer had been close to signing for fellow Qatari club Al-Shamal, where he would have linked up with Algeria teammate Baghdad Bounedjah. That proposed move, however, failed to materialise.

Last season, Bennacer made 19 appearances across all competitions, scoring once and registering two assists during a loan spell with Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.

The midfielder will now hope a move to Qatar provides the opportunity to rediscover his best form as he looks to revive his career after an injury-hit spell in recent years.