AFCON star Bennacer completes Milan transfer

Ismael Bennacer of Algeria wins the best young player of the tournament during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Monday Aug 05, 2019. 12:15

Italian giants AC Milan have completed the signing of Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer on a five-year deal.

The Rossoneri reportedly paid Serie A rivals Empoli a £14.5m for the Algerian international, who made 37 appearances for the Tuscan club last season.

The former Arsenal defensive midfielder was the Player of the Tournament at the recently-concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, helping Algeria win the continental tournament for the first time since 1990.

Bennacer joined Arsenal in 2015, but departed the Gunners two years later after managing just one appearances for the club’s first team.

Official Statement: Ismaël Bennacer ➡ https://t.co/Kg53GMj3Yy

Comunicato Ufficiale: Ismaël Bennacer ➡ https://t.co/Ho0EEC1i88 pic.twitter.com/t7PFmoc7pm

— AC Milan (@acmilan) August 4, 2019

Having represented France at youth level, the now 21-year-old switched his allegiance to Algeria three years ago.

He will become the third Algerian footballer to play for Milan following Samir Beloufa and Djamel Mesbah.

The first day is always an emotional one, right Ismaël? 🔴⚫
Il primo giorno non si scorda mai, vero Ismaël? 🔴⚫#ForzaMilan pic.twitter.com/CRR3VGbrEN

— AC Milan (@acmilan) August 4, 2019