Bennacer and Milan Agree to Part Ways: Romano Confirms Mutual Contract Termination

FolioPitch.com – 08 July 2026 | In a move that has been anticipated for months, AC Milan and Ismael Bennacer are set to officially end their partnership this summer. According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a mutual contract termination Romano confirms that Milan and Bennacer are set to part ways, with the Algerian midfielder expected to join Qatari side Al Shamal Sports Club. The deal is in its final stages, with details being finalized this week.

The departure marks the end of a once-promising tenure at San Siro. Bennacer joined Milan in 2019 from Empoli and quickly became a key figure under Stefano Pioli, helping the club secure the Scudetto in 2022. However, a series of recurring injuries disrupted his progress, and he never regained the form that made him one of Serie A’s most dynamic midfielders. His playing time dwindled, and by January 2025, he expressed a desire to move on, eventually going on loan to Dinamo Zagreb last season. Now, mutual contract termination Romano confirms that Milan and Bennacer are set to part ways, allowing the 27-year-old to embark on a new chapter in Qatar.

Romano’s report on X (formerly Twitter) stated: “Ismael Bennacer, set to leave AC Milan on mutual contract termination and sign at Al Shamal Sports Club. The Qatari side is working on final details to get the deal done this week.” This development underscores the club’s ongoing squad overhaul as they look to refresh the roster under new management. For Bennacer, the move offers a fresh start and a lucrative opportunity in the growing Qatari league.

The mutual contract termination Romano confirms that Milan and Bennacer are set to part ways represents a clean break for both parties. Milan, who had benched Bennacer for extended periods, will free up wages and a squad spot. Meanwhile, Bennacer will seek to revive his career away from the European spotlight. His time at Milan will be remembered for its flashes of brilliance, particularly his ability to dictate tempo and break up play. However, injuries ultimately defined his latter years at the club.

This transfer is part of a broader trend of players moving to Qatar, following the country’s increased investment in football. For Al Shamal, signing a player of Bennacer’s caliber is a statement of intent. The club finished mid-table last season and aims to compete for titles. Bennacer’s experience in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League will be invaluable.

As the deal nears completion, Milan fans will reflect on what might have been. Bennacer arrived as a relatively unknown talent and left as a Serie A winner, but his legacy is tinged with what could have been without the injury setbacks. The mutual contract termination Romano confirms that Milan and Bennacer are set to part ways will be formalized in the coming days, closing a chapter that promised so much but ultimately fell short of expectations.

In the larger context, Milan’s summer overhaul continues. The club is expected to make several more signings and departures as they aim to rebuild under a new technical project. Bennacer’s exit is just one piece of a puzzle that will shape the Rossoneri’s future.