Marseille acquire Bennacer on loan

AC Milan's midfielder Ismael Bennacer in action against AS Roma's forward Artem Dovbyk (L) during the Italian Serie A soccer match AC Milan vs AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, 29 December 2024. EPA/ROBERTO BREGANI

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025. 13:03

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has bolstered his midfield options with the signing of Ismael Bennacer on loan from AC Milan for the remainder of the season.

The Algeria international – who was born Arles, France – brings with him a wealth of experience to the Stade Velodrome, having featured in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League for the Rossoneri.

Bennacer managed just eight appearances in all competitions for Sergio Conceicao’s side this season after undergoing surgery on the calf injury he sustained while on international duty in September 2024.

The 27-year-old defensive midfielder has since made a full recovery and returned to action in the 1-1 draw with Roma on December 29, although he’s been handed just three starts in Serie A over the last month.

Bennacer decided to seek regular game-time elsewhere and L’OM struck a deal with Milan to acquire his services on a temporary basis which includes an option to buy.

The Arles youth product played 178 games across all competitions for the Italian giants and helped them win the Scudetto for the first time in 11 years in 2021-22.

He becomes the second Fennec Foxes star to sign for Les Phoceens during the January transfer window following the arrival of Amine Gouiri last Friday.