Ismael Bennacer: AC Milans Algerian midfielder linked with Al-Shamal move in Qatar Stars League

Ismael Bennacer, the Algeria international currently at AC Milan, has been linked with a move to Qatari side Al-Shamal SC as the Stars League club explore midfield reinforcements.

The 28-year-old defensive midfielder, who is left-footed and stands at 1.75m, has seen his market value fall to 8m after a spell on loan away from Milan last season, increasing the prospect of a departure from Serie A this summer.

Bennacer returned to San Siro in June after a season of successive loans, first to Olympique Marseille and then to Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb, indicating that Milan have been open to sending him out in search of regular minutes.

His time at Dinamo Zagreb followed a short stint at Marseille earlier in the 2024-25 campaign, with both loans originating from Milan, underlining his experience across three different European leagues in the past two seasons.

Bennacer joined Milan from Empoli in 2019, having previously been on the books at Arsenal and developed his senior career in France and Italy, and his peak market valuation reached 40m during his early years at San Siro.

More recently his valuation has steadily declined, dropping from 30m in mid-2024 to 18m and then 14m before reaching its current 8m assessment after his spell in Croatia, a trajectory that may make him a more attainable target for Al-Shamal.

Born in Arles and holding both Algerian and French nationality, Bennacers blend of top-level Serie A experience and international pedigree would represent a significant profile for the Qatar Stars League if a deal were to progress.

At this stage, the link between AC Milan and Al-Shamal remains a rumoured move, with no agreement reported and Bennacer still an AC Milan player.