Ismaël Bennacer has revealed that he could have joined Olympique Lyonnais after leaving Empoli FC last summer, but ultimately chose to continue his career in Serie A with AC Milan.
The Algerian international shared the details during an appearance on the RMC program “Le Vestiaire,” confirming that discussions had indeed taken place with Lyon. However, the talks did not progress to a concrete offer. Bennacer explained that he had asked his agent to remain discreet about the various approaches he received during the transfer window, as he wanted to focus fully on his performances and on the Africa Cup of Nations.
According to the midfielder, his decision to join AC Milan was made just three days before the AFCON final, which Algeria went on to win. While Lyon showed genuine interest, the process stalled due to internal changes at the French club. Bennacer revealed that he had spoken directly with Florian Maurice, who expressed strong interest in his profile. However, Maurice reportedly indicated that negotiations would need to wait until the appointment of a new head coach.
Following the arrivals of Sylvinho and Juninho at Lyon, Bennacer stated that he did not receive any further contact from the club’s management. With uncertainty surrounding Lyon’s plans and Milan presenting a clear and concrete project, the Algerian chose the Rossoneri as the next step in his career.
In hindsight, the move to Milan appears to have been the right decision. Since joining the Lombardy club, Bennacer has steadily established himself as a key figure in midfield. His technical quality, vision, and ability to dictate tempo have made him an essential component of the team. Under coach Stefano Pioli, he has grown in influence, becoming a cornerstone of Milan’s tactical system.
Bennacer’s seamless adaptation to Milan highlights both his maturity and his ambition. Rather than waiting indefinitely for Lyon to clarify their plans, he opted for stability and a well-defined sporting project in Italy. His performances have justified that choice, as he continues to play a pivotal role in Milan’s domestic and European ambitions.
The revelation sheds light on how close Lyon came to securing one of Europe’s promising midfielders. Yet football careers often hinge on timing and clarity, and in this case, Milan’s decisiveness proved decisive. For Bennacer, the focus now remains on maintaining his high level of performance and continuing his development with one of Italy’s most historic clubs.
