It is something that did not seem possible let alone likely heading into the 2023-24 season, but the final few games of this season could be Ismael Bennacer’s last at AC Milan.
According to Calciomercato.com, Bennacer will not play from the first minute against Juventus tomorrow night, Stefano Pioli confirmed in his pre-match press conference. In his place will be Yacine Adli, who has made big strides in the defensive phase and today he is in all respects a starter.
“Isma is not yet at 100% of in terms of his physical condition, the two matches against Roma didn’t satisfy me completely. At the moment Adli is very attentive in the defensive phase, I think he is the best player reliable,” Pioli said.
Bennacer will start on the bench again, for the latest time in a cursed season, one influenced by the recovery from the knee injury suffered last year in the Champions League semi-final against Inter, and by a disastrous Africa Cup of Nations (Algeria out in the group stages).
He has played only 20 games – 15 in the league and five in the Europa League – for a total of 976 minutes. These are the numbers of a reserve player even since he recovered, and yet it is hard to criticise Pioli’s choices.
This could have a bearing on the future, too. He has a contract expiring in 2027, renewed in January 2023, but that does not rule out a potential summer sale even for a figure below the €50m release clause. That clause becomes valid from this summer.
Milan have not made any decisions at the moment, but it is clear that the economic aspect will have its weight. Bennacer earns €4m net per year, which is almost €8m gross, so if a convincing proposal arrives it will be taken into consideration.
The former Empoli star, who cost just over €15m euros in the summer of 2019 , has admirers in England and France, but the Saudi Pro League remains the most credible option.
Isma has not been looking like his old self lately. Which is a shame because when he’s in form he’s a lovely player to watch.
Sell. Hopefully, Kessie’s visit a couple of weeks ago was to convince Bennacer to move to SA. If you can get 20-25 mil, take it and run.
Something else.
If Pioli himself says that Bennacer isn’t 100%, why did he play him from the start in both Roma games when he had 2 better performing and fit midfielders on the bench? Adli and Reijnders were on the bench in the 1st Roma game, while Bennacer was the worst player on the pitch in both games.
Tells a lot about the current state of the midfield. I love the grinta of Adli but he’s not a starter yet. Neither is Reijnders.
Just remember, reijnders has been played out of position all year long. Guy has no defensive ability and would have shined way more as an attacking mid. In fact the one chance he got, he scored. Meanwhile loftus constantly gets to play there. Another reason pioli has to go
so it is Pioli’s fault that we have two offensive midfielders (Loftus Cheek and Reijnders) and he has to play one of them in a more defensive position to make it work (assuming we’re also playing Leao, Giroud and Pulisic)
What would you have done, put Reijnders as AM, put RLC in the bench and played with which central midfielders?
No if anything, I would have played loftus in a more defensive role which he never did once. Possibly our most physical player on the team and who can tackle and he wasn’t even tested out there! Meanwhile reijnders who is great at dribbling and driving forward or passing and he got one opportunity in which he scored!
He asked for those players
I thought pioli was involved in this season’s Mercato, so it is his fault for getting this players. After all he asked for them. They fit his profile he wanted.
He is totally out of sorts since the injury, and prone to mistakes. Hope he’ll het his mojo back…I agree with the decision to bench him. If there are good options available in the market let’s cash in.
hard to gauge him this season. might improve next season. But if a worthy offer comes in, I’m sure they will entertain it.
One of the few players of value that I would not mind “sacrificed” to fund transfers this summer. This injury riddled season notwithstanding, he has always blown hot and cold. Anything over 30M would make it very appetizing.
Exactly, Bennacer has solid skill but has rarely kept the same level for more than a few months.
People forget that the nucleus of midfield in the last few games of the scudetto run was Tonali Kessie Krunic (+Saelemakers) to close all the gaps and put proper pressure.
Saudi pro league are best option for him . High salary , same religion & culture with algeria. 30-35m euro already enough , no need waiting 50m euro release clause. Better buy DMF for his replacement
Agree
Since everyone in here loves playing transfer guru then i say sell Benna, Mike, Tomori, Thiaw, Theo, Leao, Reijnders, Calabria, Kalulu, RLC, Okafor, Chuk, and Pulisic.
Can’t wait to see how Milan can do next season with new players and new godlike coach.