Bennacer terminates Milan contract, joins Al Gharafa on free transfer – Romano

Ismael Bennacer’s seven-year association with AC Milan is over. The Algerian midfielder has agreed to terminate his contract with the Rossoneri and will join Qatari Stars League side Al Gharafa as a free agent, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Romano posted his signature “Here we go” confirmation on Friday, indicating that the deal is fully agreed between all parties. Bennacer leaves Milan without a transfer fee, ending a spell that included 178 appearances, a Serie A title, and a Champions League semi-final run.

Bennacer’s Milan career

Signed from Empoli in the summer of 2019 for a reported €16m, Bennacer quickly became a key figure in Stefano Pioli’s midfield. His energy, close control, and ability to break up play made him a regular starter. He was an integral part of the team that won the Scudetto in 2021-22, scoring a memorable goal in the decisive win over Sassuolo. The following season he helped Milan reach the Champions League semi-finals, notably scoring the only goal in a 1-0 quarter-final first-leg victory against Napoli at San Siro.

In total, Bennacer recorded eight goals and 12 assists across all competitions for Milan. He also made 45 appearances for the Algerian national team.

The injury and decline

Bennacer’s trajectory changed dramatically in May 2023, when he suffered a serious knee ligament injury during a Serie A match. He underwent surgery and missed the remainder of the season. Although he returned the following campaign, he never fully recaptured his pre-injury form. His mobility and sharpness declined, and Milan’s midfield evolved with new arrivals.

The injury also had a financial impact. Bennacer was earning €4m net per season, a significant wage for a player who was no longer a regular starter. As his role diminished, Milan grew increasingly keen to move him off the wage bill.

Loan moves and contract situation

Milan sent Bennacer on loan to Olympique de Marseille in the 2024-25 season, but the French club did not trigger a purchase option. He was then loaned to Dinamo Zagreb for the first half of 2025-26, where he made a handful of appearances, but again no permanent deal materialised.

With his contract running until June 2027, Milan faced a difficult situation: a high-earning, injury-affected player with diminishing market value. Talks of a contract termination with a move to Saudi Arabia had surfaced earlier in the summer, but those talks did not progress.

Romano confirms Al Gharafa move

On Friday, Fabrizio Romano reported that Bennacer will terminate his Milan contract and join Al Gharafa as a free agent, with the deal verbally agreed between all parties. The transfer is expected to be completed in the coming days, pending final paperwork. Al Gharafa, based in Doha, are coached by former Portugal international Pedro Martins and have a squad that includes several experienced foreign players.

The move allows Bennacer to restart his career in a league where his technical qualities should be well suited, while Milan finally clear a significant salary from their books.

What this means for Milan

Bennacer’s exit frees up around €4m per year in net wages, giving Milan more flexibility in the summer transfer market. The Rossoneri have already strengthened their midfield with younger options, so his departure is unlikely to require an immediate replacement. For the club’s financial compliance with Serie A and UEFA regulations, removing high salaries for non-contributing players is a positive step.

For Bennacer, the move offers a fresh start in a competitive but less physically demanding league. He will join a club that has ambitions in the Qatar Stars League and aims to challenge for domestic honours.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|——–|————-|
| Player | Ismael Bennacer |
| From club | AC Milan |
| To club | Al Gharafa |
| Transfer type | Free transfer (contract termination) |
| Years at Milan | 2019–2026 (7 seasons) |
| Milan appearances | 178 (all competitions) |
| Goals & assists | 8 goals, 12 assists |
| Annual salary (Milan) | €4m net |

Source: SempreMilan (https://sempremilan.com/bennacer-terminate-milan-contract-al-gharafa)

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