GdS: Bennacer to Saudi Arabia a matter of time – what could change this summer

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·20 de mayo de 2024

GdS: Bennacer to Saudi Arabia a matter of time – what could change this summer

It has been a difficult campaign for Ismael Bennacer and he will close it at the weekend against Salernitana, but it cannot be totally ruled out that his AC Milan career might end then too.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport recall, Bennacer was out until November, came back, went to the African Cup of Nations and got knocked out in the group stage, then managed twi goals in 19 Serie A games with one still to play.

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Milan start the summer knowing they have three big names to defend from foreign offers: Rafael Leao, Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez, in ascending order of probable departure. Bennacer is the fourth because, even if it isn’t talked about much, there is a question of the mercato lurking.

Sirens from Arabia

Bennacer is interested in the Saudi Arabian league, which is growing rapidly, and there is a very good chance that he will end up playing there. Ismael is ‘very close to Arab culture’ as per the paper and for him it seems only a matter of time before he ends up there.

His plans include a transfer in a second phase of his career, ideally in a couple of seasons, or in 2027, when his contract with Milan expires. However, surprises are not excluded because times, in football, are never a guarantee.

The Arab clubs have great financial resources and an offer for Bennacer could arrive in the summer. In that case, watch out for unexpected developments because the former Empoli man is interested in exploring the idea.

Room for growth

Bennacer, of course, can still grow a lot at Milan and he knows it. Two nights ago, after the match against Torino, he spoke as the future leader of the dressing room.

“Me, leader since July? Of course, next year I’ll do everything I can. I’m not someone who talks a lot off the pitch, I’ll always be there on the pitch and I will always give everything,” he said.

“We are second in the league, but for Milan it is not enough to finish second. We have the desire to win. Every year I try to give something more. I have been here at Milan for six years. I have to learn this role as a leader and to be an example.”

In short, until further notice the player and the club will move forward together. However, nothing in football is a certainty, as the sale of Sandro Tonali showed.