Ismael Bennacer signing: transfer cost, wage and contract details
Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer is a new AC Milan player. The best player of the Africa Cup of Nations joins the Rossoneri on a five-year deal.
MILAN TRANSFER NEWS – AC Milan finally announced the signing of Ismael Bennacer with a video presentation on the club’s official social channels. The best player of the Africa Cup of Nations will be under Marco Giampaolo’s orders at the end of his holidays.
A very important signing for the Rossoneri and probably the most interesting so far. Bennacer established himself as one of the most promising midfielders during two seasons at Empoli and has the suitable characteristics for the play style and mentality of the AC Milan new coach. The Algeria playmaker will take over the control of the game from Lucas Biglia who will remain at San Siro as a back up option.
AC Milan have signed Ismael Bennacer from Empoli for 16 million euros plus one million in bonuses. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder arrived in Italy in 2017 after a short spell at Arsenal. Maldini and Massara were quick to close a deal just in time because after the African Cup his price would surely have risen a lot.
Bennacer has signed a five-year contract with AC Milan and will earn 1,5 million per year plus bonuses. His wage was a difficult obstacle to overcome and negotiations nearly fell through at one point during talks. His agents asked for a much higher figure while Milan remained firm in their initial offer. The decisive factor was the will of the young midfielder who said yes to Maldini in a phone call.
BENNACER’S CAREER
Born in Arles, France, on December 1st 1997, Bennacer began his football career in the Youth team of Ligue 2 Club Arles-Avignon, where he made his debut with the first team in 2014. In summer 2015 he moved to Arsenal, where he collected 23 appearances with the Under-23 team and made his debut with the first team in the same year. In January 2017, he moved on loan to Ligue 2 team Tours, making 16 appearances and registering 1 goal. Later, in 2017, he signed for Empoli FC.
Ismael Bennacer initially represented France at Under-18 and Under-19 level, before opting to play for Algeria from 2016. He has earned 16 caps with the Algerian national team, including 7 appearances in the recent 2019 Africa Cup of Nations helping his team lift the trophy for the first time in 29 years.
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