Milan end Ismael Bennacer contract as Al Gharafa move nears

Milan have ended Ismael Bennacer’s contract by mutual consent, clearing the way for the midfielder to join Qatari club Al Gharafa.

The Italian club confirmed the agreement on their official website on Friday, saying Bennacer and the club had reached an arrangement to terminate his contract. Milan thanked the Algeria international for his service and wished him “all the best and success” in the next stage of his career.

Bennacer is expected to join Al Gharafa after successfully completing his medical examination. The 28-year-old will move to the Qatar Stars League side from Milan, although the club has not announced the transfer formally.

According to Qatari newspaper Al Arab, Bennacer passed his medical ahead of completing the move. He is also expected to join Al Gharafa’s training camp in Slovakia soon, where the squad is preparing for the new season.

The midfielder’s departure brings an end to his time with Milan after a period in which he spent much of the recent past away from the club on loan. He joined Marseille for six months in 2025 before spending last season with Dinamo Zagreb.

Bennacer made 20 appearances for Dinamo Zagreb, scoring twice. He helped the Croatian club win a domestic league and cup double before returning to the decision to end his relationship with Milan and pursue a move to Al Gharafa.

His spell at Milan included 178 appearances in all competitions. During that time, he scored eight goals and provided 12 assists.

Bennacer joined Milan in 2019 and became an important part of the side’s midfield, but his later years at the club were disrupted by loan moves. His six-month stay with Marseille in 2025 was followed by the season-long switch to Dinamo Zagreb.

The move to Al Gharafa will now provide Bennacer with the opportunity to begin a new chapter in Qatar. His medical has been completed successfully, and his arrival at the club’s Slovakia camp is expected shortly as Al Gharafa continue their preparations for the forthcoming campaign.

Milan’s decision to terminate the contract by agreement with the player means Bennacer leaves the club permanently rather than returning for another season in Italy. The 178 appearances he made for Milan remain the main record of his time with the club, during which he contributed eight goals and 12 assists.