Ismael Bennacer could leave AC Milan this summer as a midfield revamp appears to be on the cards. According to a report, the midfielder’s agent has held talks with multiple Saudi Arabia clubs, with the Rossoneri eyeing a significant capital gain.
Bennacer missed half of the 2023-24 season due to the knee surgery carried out in May of last year. While he had a couple of good games towards the end of the campaign, he struggled to replicate his previous highs and this has got Milan thinking.
According to Tuttosport (via MilanNews), Bennacer’s agent Enzo Raiola has held talks with an intermediary of multiple Saudi Arabian clubs. The latter are probing the ground, aiming to find out more about the Algerian’s role at Milan, and the €50m release clause makes it all pretty clear.
It remains to be seen if the clubs are willing to pay the release clause to secure Bennacer’s services, or if Milan are willing to accept a lower figure. In any case, the Rossoneri are sensing a significant capital gain given that they paid €17.2m back in 2019 (and they have amortised a big chunk).
Previous rumours, however, have suggested that Bennacer is open to a Saudi move but only after next season.
Said to see him go but not much we can do if they activate his clause. With 50m we will have a bigger budget to sign world class CF.
No one is paying €50 million for Bennacer. Release clauses are rarely exercised or paid in full, nor do the Saudi’s usually pay high transfer fees, they pay high wages. Mahrez was the most expensive signing last season, at €35 million. Players with far bigger profiles than Bennacer were signed for less e.g. Kessie €12 million, Mane €27.5 million etc. This €50 million is a pipe-dream and Bennacer is injury prone. It would be foolish not to take even €25 million. If he is plagued by injuries this season as well, what happens then? His value drops further and he would only have 2 years left on his contract. €25 million would get Hojberg, Fofana or Ricci.
The saudis did spend 45m pounds to sign ruben neves from wolves. The precident is already set. Milan won’t unless its close to 50m.