Olympique de Marseille have not closed the chapter on Ismaël Bennacer, with the club still weighing up the possibility of re-signing the Algerian midfielder after his recent loan spell from AC Milan.
Bennacer, 27, featured in 12 Ligue 1 matches during the second half of the 2024–2025 campaign and made a strong impression with his performances in midfield.
Despite his positive impact on the pitch, Marseille chose not to trigger the €12 million purchase option included in the loan agreement, citing the club’s current financial constraints.
Though the deal was not finalised, the idea of bringing Bennacer back remains on the table. Marseille’s management are open to reigniting talks with AC Milan if the Italian side is willing to renegotiate the fee at a more favourable rate.
The club continues to monitor the situation closely, keeping the Algerian international on their shortlist as the summer window unfolds.
The pursuit of Bennacer, however, is complicated by reported interest from several clubs in Saudi Arabia. With those sides capable of offering significantly higher wages, competition for the midfielder’s signature could push him beyond Marseille’s financial reach.
The southern French club is therefore treading carefully, aware that any bid for Bennacer would need to be both strategic and fiscally responsible.
Despite these uncertainties, Marseille’s coaching staff and board remain admirers of Bennacer’s qualities. His composure in possession, tactical awareness, and previous experience in Ligue 1 make him an appealing option as the club looks to strengthen its midfield ahead of the new season.
In parallel with monitoring Bennacer’s situation, Marseille are also exploring alternative options that would present less financial risk. According to reports from L’Équipe, one name under consideration is Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Matt O’Riley.
The 24-year-old, who featured in 21 Premier League games and scored twice last season, is being looked at as a potential loan signing.
O’Riley, a versatile and technically sound midfielder, could provide Marseille with a more cost-effective solution in their midfield rebuild.
A temporary deal would allow the club to bolster their squad without committing to a significant upfront expense, a key factor in their summer strategy.
The club’s dual-track approach — keeping tabs on Bennacer while assessing other targets — reflects the delicate balance being struck by Marseille as they try to remain competitive while navigating tight financial parameters.
The ambition to strengthen the squad remains, but any deal must align with the club’s broader economic realities.
As Marseille continue their preparations for the new campaign, much will depend on how the transfer market evolves in the coming weeks. Whether Bennacer returns or a new name arrives in his place, the club is determined to act decisively while maintaining financial discipline.
For now, the return of Ismaël Bennacer has not been ruled out — but Marseille know that timing, negotiation, and market forces will dictate whether the move can be revived on terms that suit all parties.
