Agent Enzo Raiola has insisted that Ismael Bennacer is happy at AC Milan and never considered leaving in the summer despite all of the speculation about a possible move to Saudi Arabia among other places.
It was a strange and sad summer for Bennacer in the end as he was constantly linked with a move away from Milan to a club in the Saudi Pro League, while late interest from Atletico Madrid and Marseille also emerged.
Despite this he ended up remaining and just when Paulo Fonseca planned to reintegrate him fully, the midfielder tore his calf muscle completely while away with the Algerian national team. It was so bad that it required surgery, and he will be out until 2025.
Enzo Raiola is the cousin and one of the two heirs of the empire built by the late Mino Raiola, and he
gave a long interview to Tuttosport about the summer transfer window and more specifically about Bennacer.
“The matter is simple. There was a phase of chatter with some clubs, but he has never questioned his desire to stay at Milan,” he said (via Calciomercato.com).
“I also remember that the Arab market is not open every day and not everyone can go to Saudi Arabia. The Rossoneri also wanted him to stay and it is difficult to choose another team in Europe. In Milan he is happy, the club is big, it is not easy to leave Milan.”
Saudi 30-50M would go amazingly with our current state in January. If we can reinvest it then to Kayode and Ricci, this should solve defense and midfield issues.
Or…what a legend showing his loyalty to the club….
But sure take money over loyalty. What a foundation for a team.
Same agent said in the last 3-4 months or something that the player would like to go to Saudi Arabia in a couple of years coincedently when his contract expires. Considering how many severe injuries he has been having in recent years and the fact that his level isn’t the same as a few years ago and that he is our second or third highest paid player in the squad I’d say it would be foolish keeping him if anyone actually wants to buy him there.
Ok his contract expires in 2027 but the writing on the wall is nevertheless clear, seems he wants to sit his contract out with us and then leave for Saudi Arabia if his agents previous interview is to be believed. If not a sale in January I’ll argue next summer.
It’s not that.
It’s the general attitude.
Heads constantly looking towards the next deal.
The transfer rumour mill never stops.
The reaction to an article like this in September (ie when the transfer window is not open) should be ‘go on you legend’.
If we can’t say ‘go on you legend’ to our players especially those legends of the Scudetto we’re not a team. There’s no substance or soul to this team, and without that we cannot return to greatness.
in the last 2 years he missed 1.5 years, either rehab or injury… he keeps going to NT while not fully healed and keeps coming back even more injured…
check my comments defending him during last day, but he became our new Pato… better get 30M now, then 0 in 2 years… Jerry won’t spend his money so at least get Ricci to complete the midfield.
I would also sell RLC and get J.David, he can be competition to Morata and Tammy for 10-15M
Milan have had numerous injury problems since Pato, and it’s cost us players and tittles, so that should be our priority.
Bennacer isn’t even a €20 million player. The reason he wasn’t sold is because no one wanted him.
meanwhile deZerbi and Simeone are apparently no one…