AC Milan omit Ismaël Bennacer from 2025 preseason squad

Algerian midfielder Ismaël Bennacer has been excluded from AC Milan’s preseason squad. The Serie A side kicked off preparations for the new season at Milanello earlier today with Bennacer missing from the fold.

AC Milan struggled throughout the 2024/25 season under two managers. The club appointed former coach Massimiliano Allegri as the new manager in June. Bennacer spent the latter half of the season on loan at French side Olympique de Marseille.

Marseille had the opportunity to keep Bennacer permanently but opted not to exercise their option. The Algerian’s future at the Italian giants remains uncertain and now it seems clear that Bennacer will not continue at Milan for the 2025/26 campaign.

AC Milan coach Allegri has deemed Bennacer, 27, surplus to requirements and he is among the players expected to be offloaded soon. His high wages made it difficult for Marseille to sign him permanently.

Bennacer joined Milan from Empoli in 2019. He quickly became a fan favorite and helped them win the 2021/22 Serie A title.