CM: Bennacer could leave Milan – the truth about his clause and foreign interest | OneFootball

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.

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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.