Algerian midfielder Ismaël Bennacer weighs offers from Al-Ittihad and Marseille

Ismaël Bennacer’s future appears increasingly set to unfold between Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad and Olympique de Marseille, with both clubs reportedly advancing in discussions for the Algerian midfielder.

Following the conclusion of his loan spell at Marseille and the club’s decision not to trigger the €12m purchase option, Bennacer returned to AC Milan with limited prospects of remaining in Italy.

The 27-year-old, motivated by a desire to recapture peak form, had hoped for a full summer of preparation, but changing transfer market dynamics may limit him to just a month of intense pre-season training before finalising his next move.

Since his return, Bennacer’s career has entered a period of uncertainty. Marseille’s executives, including Pablo Longoria and Medhi Benatia, have been negotiating with Milan for a reduced fee, aiming to retain the midfielder who excelled during his time in Ligue 1.

The financial strain of his proposed deal—compounded by the sizeable investment already made in his loan—has made talks challenging.

On another front, a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia has gained momentum. Al-Ittihad have reportedly submitted a formal €10m offer to acquire Bennacer’s services, according to Milan News 24.

The interest was first flagged by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, signalling that the Saudi club is intent on securing the midfielder’s signature.

While Al-Ittihad present a financially attractive proposition, Marseille have not withdrawn from the race. The departure of Valentin Rongier has left a vacancy in the squad, and the club remains keen to explore various options.

These include renegotiating a permanent move with AC Milan or proposing an extended loan deal, potentially with a more favourable financial structure—such as the club covering only part of Bennacer’s salary or negotiating a lower obligation to buy.

Complicating the situation is Bennacer’s own preference. Publicly, he has expressed a desire to remain at Marseille, having settled well in the city and into the club’s playing system. Yet the pragmatic demands of Milan’s valuation, combined with interest from Saudi Arabia, place him in a difficult position.

For AC Milan, the priority appears to be recovering a meaningful return on their investment. Having signed Bennacer for around €16m from Empoli in 2019, the Italian side are determined to recoup significant value, whether through a straightforward sale or structured loan-to-buy agreement.

The next few days are shaping up to be decisive. Should Marseille accede to Milan’s financial expectations—perhaps through creative structuring—they could complete the deal before the squad departs on July’s pre-season tour.

Conversely, a swift confirmation of Al-Ittihad’s offer could steer Bennacer toward a Middle Eastern future.

Regardless of the outcome, Bennacer is expected to return to Milan’s training ground for at least short-term duty, as date-sensitive deadlines loom.

Total clarity regarding his destination is anticipated soon, as both rival clubs push to finalise terms that satisfy all stakeholders.

Ismaël Bennacer finds himself at a personal crossroads: remain in Ligue 1 where he showed impressive form last season, or pursue a new challenge in Saudi football, where ambition and a higher salary await.

With negotiation lines open on both fronts—and Milan’s position firm—the next week may well decide whether Bennacer’s next chapter opens in Marseille or Saudi Arabia.