Ismaël Bennacer’s relationship with AC Milan appears to be nearing its end, with the Algerian midfielder not included in the club’s pre-season tour squad, sparking growing speculation about his future.
As the 2023-2024 campaign draws closer, the absence of Bennacer from the Milanese squad for the upcoming fixtures has raised serious doubts over his role at the Italian club.
The 25-year-old, who has struggled with injuries over the past season, was notably left off the roster for the pre-season Soccer Champions Tour, which runs from July 28 to August 7 in the United States.
Milan’s schedule includes high-profile friendlies against Arsenal, Liverpool, and Perth Glory. The exclusion is seen as a clear signal that the midfielder is not in the plans of the club’s new coach, Massimiliano Allegri.
Bennacer’s exclusion from the pre-season training camp is a significant blow, particularly given the importance of the off-season period in regaining peak fitness.
The midfielder is coming off a challenging season that was marred by a calf injury, requiring surgery and disrupting his form.
This setback left him unable to perform at the level that had previously made him a key figure for both Milan and the Algerian national team.
This situation is particularly worrying for Bennacer, as he faces a crucial year ahead with the national team. The 2023-2024 campaign will be important for the midfielder as he looks to secure a spot in the Algerian squad for upcoming international fixtures.
Missing out on pre-season training under Allegri’s watch could hinder his efforts to return to full fitness, leaving him with fewer options to showcase his talent.
In recent months, speculation surrounding Bennacer’s future has intensified. While a potential loan move to Olympique de Marseille was considered a stepping stone to regain confidence, the French club ultimately decided against exercising the option to purchase the player.
Marseille, who had been closely monitoring Bennacer’s performances, deemed the €12 million price tag too high for a player whose performances had not fully convinced them.
This decision has further complicated Bennacer’s situation, as it suggests a lack of interest from top European clubs, partly due to his hefty salary demands.
As a result, Bennacer and his representatives now face a difficult task in securing a move away from Milan. The player’s high wages remain a significant obstacle for many interested suitors, especially those in leagues where financial resources are more constrained.
It is also possible that the midfielder may look to the Gulf region as a potential destination, where wages are often more generous, and clubs are more inclined to take risks on established players.
Milan, for their part, seem intent on moving on from Bennacer. The club, having already bolstered their squad with new signings, are keen to offload the Algerian international in order to free up resources for future transfers. With Allegri not including Bennacer in his plans, it seems increasingly likely that the player will need to find a new club sooner rather than later.
Bennacer’s potential departure marks the end of a chapter that began when he joined AC Milan in 2019 from Empoli. While his early years at the club were promising, the midfielder has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form, leading to the current impasse.
His exit could be seen as the culmination of a series of challenges that have kept him from fulfilling his potential at one of Italy’s most storied clubs.
As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on Bennacer’s next move. With the deadline fast approaching, it remains to be seen where the midfielder will land, and whether he can rediscover the form that once made him one of Milan’s most exciting talents. For now, his future remains uncertain, and the clock is ticking for both the player and the club.
