Algeria international Ismael Bennacer has terminated his contract with Milan and is expected to join Al-Gharafa SC in the Qatar Stars League.
The 27-year-old midfielder ends a six-year stay at San Siro after cutting short a deal that was scheduled to run until the end of the 2026-27 campaign. Bennacer joined the Rossoneri in 2019 and made 178 competitive appearances, establishing himself as a key figure during the club’s 2021-22 title-winning campaign when he contributed 31 league appearances.
However, a major knee injury suffered towards the end of the 2022-23 season disrupted his trajectory. The problem proved difficult to overcome, and Bennacer has not featured for Milan since the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign.
Loan spells and departure
In an effort to regain match fitness and form, the Algerian spent time on loan with Marseille in Ligue 1 and Dinamo Zagreb. Despite these stints, he was unable to force his way back into the Milan setup.
The contract termination allows Bennacer to secure regular playing time elsewhere while ending his association with the Serie A side one year early. The move to Al-Gharafa represents a fresh start for the former Empoli player, who once earned widespread praise for his technical ability and defensive work in Italy’s top flight.
Next chapter in Qatar
Al-Gharafa SC are now poised to complete the signing. The Qatar Stars League club will acquire a player with substantial European experience without paying a transfer fee.
For Bennacer, the switch offers an opportunity to rebuild his career away from the injury pressures of top-tier European football. At 27, he still has several years at the highest level should he recover his best form in the Middle East.