Ismaël Bennacer’s promising loan spell at Olympique de Marseille has brought uncertainty behind the scenes, as the French club evaluates whether to trigger the €12 million option to make his move permanent.
Since joining from AC Milan in the January transfer window, the Algerian international has made an immediate impact at the Vélodrome.
With six starts in eight appearances, Bennacer has quickly cemented a key role in Marseille’s midfield, drawing praise for his composure, vision, and tactical intelligence.
Initially, his consistent performances seemed to make a full transfer inevitable. However, reports from Italy—particularly from SpazioMilan—suggest that Marseille’s management is now reconsidering the financial terms of the deal, despite the midfielder’s evident value on the pitch.
The situation has become even more complex due to Milan’s growing interest in Amar Dedić, the Bosnian full-back who joined OM during the same winter window from Red Bull Salzburg.
The Serie A giants are reportedly exploring the possibility of a direct player swap, offering to let Bennacer remain in Marseille permanently in exchange for Dedić.
Such an arrangement could serve both clubs’ interests. Milan would secure a promising defender who fits their profile needs, while Marseille could retain Bennacer while easing the financial burden of his acquisition.
It might even provide a slight capital advantage for the French side if valuations are balanced favourably.
Marseille’s hesitation to activate the €12 million buyout clause could stem from broader budget considerations as the club looks to restructure its squad and finances ahead of the summer transfer window.
Balancing sporting ambition with financial discipline has become a delicate task, and this proposed swap could be seen as a strategic compromise.
From a footballing perspective, Bennacer’s integration into Jean-Louis Gasset’s team has been seamless. His ability to break lines with passes, recover possession, and control tempo has added a new layer to OM’s midfield.
At 26, the former Empoli man brings not only experience from Serie A and European competitions but also a leadership presence in the dressing room.
Meanwhile, Amar Dedić, though only recently arrived, has attracted attention for his dynamic displays at right-back.
His blend of speed, aggression, and tactical discipline has not gone unnoticed, and Milan are believed to view him as a long-term solution in their defensive setup.
No formal agreement has been reached yet, and both clubs are expected to continue talks in the coming weeks.
Marseille’s final decision on Bennacer could hinge on whether Milan are prepared to include Dedić in a straight swap or demand further financial terms.
As the summer window approaches, the potential deal could be one of the more intriguing exchanges in European football, involving two players of high calibre and two clubs with intersecting ambitions.
For now, Bennacer remains focused on the final stretch of the season with OM, but the coming months could determine whether his stay in France becomes a long-term chapter or just a brief but impactful interlude.
