Bennacer in talks to join Saudi Arabia club

AC Milan central midfielder Ismael Bennacer is the latest star to be linked with a rich transfer to Saudi Arabia.

Losing Ismael Bennacer to injury was a huge blow for AC Milan and coach Stefano Pioli who are deprived of a key player and not just a simple regular starter. It will still take several months before the 25-year-old midfielder returns on the pitch. Algeria plan to call him up for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations that will take place in January 2024.

Bennacer underwent knee surgery on 16 May and the recovery time it is estimated to last at least six months. Nevertheless, returning to his usual form it expected to take much more time. This is why AC Milan have worked a lot on the market to strengthen the midfield. The Rossoneri have signed Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tijjani Reijnders while a third midfielder will arrive soon. Although another extra signing may be possible if Yacine Adli were to be leave, either on loan or permanently.

However, even outside of the pitch the Algerian is attracting a lot of attention. Saudi club are interested in signing Ismael Bennacer despite his injury woes. France Football journalist Nabil Djellit reports that Bennacer has received an important request from an unnamed club from Saudi Arabia. There have already been direct contacts between the Bennaccer and the Saudi club.

This year Ismael renewed with his contract with AC Milan until June 2027. Unfortunately, even in the new agreement Bennacer still has the old release clause of 50 million euros that is valid only to foreign clubs. The release clause can also be exercise only in the month of July and not during the winter transfer window.

However, according some rumors, the €50 million release clause of Ismael Bennacer is valid starting from next year. If any club wants to sign the Algerian central midfielder before the summer of 2024 it must negotiate with AC Milan first. Until now, the Rossoneri have not received any formal bid for their star midfielder but that may be just a matter of time.

The interest from Suadi Arabia is strong and a tempting offer may be presented soon to the player. Important players that have joined Al Hilal or Al Nasr are regularly earning over 20 million per season. Bennacer is reportedly open to the move and his agents of Team Raiola are already discussing in more details according to Djellit.

READ MORE: AC Milan’s worst signings EVER