Robert Pirès has thrown his support behind Ismaël Bennacer’s potential permanent stay at Olympique de Marseille, describing the Algerian midfielder as the type of player every team should want to keep.
The former France international, who won the 1998 World Cup and spent part of his illustrious career with Marseille, made his thoughts clear in a recent interview when asked whether the club should make Bennacer’s loan move from AC Milan permanent.
“Keep him at OM? I’d keep him every single day,” Pirès stated. “He’s exactly the kind of player I love—technically gifted, creative, and capable of opening up the game.”
Bennacer joined Marseille on loan in January and has since made a significant impact on the Ligue 1 side, playing a crucial role in stabilising the midfield and injecting a new sense of rhythm into the team.
His performances have not only caught the eye of supporters but have also earned the praise of Marseille legends like Pirès, further elevating his value in the eyes of the club.
Despite his success in France, Bennacer’s future remains uncertain. His parent club, AC Milan, no longer appear to consider him part of their long-term plans following the return of manager Massimiliano Allegri.
With Bennacer falling down the pecking order at San Siro, a permanent departure looks increasingly likely.
However, negotiations over a transfer have proven difficult. Marseille are keen to retain Bennacer’s services beyond this summer but consider the €12 million buyout clause—set as part of the original loan agreement—too steep.
According to reports, sporting director Mehdi Benatia has been engaged in weeks of talks with Milan in an effort to reduce the fee, though no agreement has been reached thus far.
Further complicating the situation is Bennacer’s current salary, which remains high due to the terms of his Milan contract. The midfielder is reportedly reluctant to accept a pay cut unless he receives strong assurances about his role and the club’s sporting project.
Meanwhile, interest in the 26-year-old has grown across Europe and beyond. Several clubs in Spain are believed to be monitoring the situation, while teams from the Gulf region have also made inquiries, offering potentially more lucrative financial packages.
Marseille, aware of both the player’s importance and the financial limitations they face, are now hoping to bide their time. The club’s strategy appears to hinge on Milan softening their stance closer to the end of the transfer window, allowing for a more favourable deal. However, the risk remains that Bennacer could be lured elsewhere before a breakthrough is reached.
As the transfer window unfolds, Marseille fans, alongside club icons such as Pirès, will be hoping the club can find a way to hold onto the midfielder who has quickly become one of their standout figures.
For now, though, Bennacer’s future is hanging in the balance, caught between stalled negotiations and growing external interest.
