Ismael Bennacer will end his time at AC Milan by mutual consent, clearing the way for a move to Al-Gharafa in Qatar as a free agent. The 28-year-old Algerian midfielder has agreed terms with the Qatari club after a frustrating spell in Europe, with only the official announcement pending in the coming hours.
According to Italian transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, all parties have reached a verbal agreement on the separation from the Rossoneri. Bennacer's exit marks the end of a challenging period at San Siro, where he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under the club's coaching staff. The midfielder's contract termination clears significant wages from Milan's books and provides the player with a fresh opportunity to revitalise his career in the Gulf.
Why the Move Away From Milan?
Bennacer spent the most recent season searching for consistency away from Milan, taking in loan spells at Olympique Marseille and Dinamo Zagreb. The move to Croatia with Dinamo Zagreb was intended to restore his form and match fitness, but the arrangement failed to deliver the breakthrough he needed. His inability to command a place in Milan's midfield hierarchy forced the club and player to pursue an exit strategy that suited both sides.
The transfer to the Qatar league reflects a broader trend of European clubs targeting Gulf destinations to offload underperforming assets while offering players enhanced financial packages. Al-Gharafa, competing in the Qatar Stars League, has become increasingly active in pursuing experienced European talent. Bennacer, who won 50 caps for Algeria, brings continental pedigree to the Middle East competition.
What's Next for Bennacer?
The midfielder's move to Qatar concludes a disappointing Milan chapter that never fulfilled early promise. Since his arrival, he failed to become the consistent midfield anchor the club envisioned. At 28, Bennacer still has years ahead and will hope the Qatar move reignites a career derailed by inconsistency and injury concerns. His departure reduces Milan's midfield depth but removes a player peripheral to their plans, allowing the club to pursue other targets in the final stages of the summer transfer window.
