AC Milan Set to Terminate Bennacer’s Contract as Pre-Season Snub Confirms Exit

FolioPitch.com – 12 July 2026 | The saga surrounding Ismael Bennacer‘s future at AC Milan appears to be reaching its conclusion, with the club leaving the Algerian midfielder out of the pre-season squad. The decision strongly suggests that the MN Contract termination imminent as Milan leave Bennacer out of pre-season squad is not just speculation but a reality. Bennacer, who spent last season on loan at Dinamo Zagreb, is now on the verge of a permanent departure from the Rossoneri.

According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Milan are actively working to terminate Bennacer’s contract, which was set to run until 2027. The move would allow the club to make a small capital gain while saving significantly on wages – approximately €7.4 million gross per year. The MN Contract termination imminent as Milan leave Bennacer out of pre-season squad has been further reinforced by the player’s exclusion from the pre-season camp, as confirmed by Milan’s official announcement.

Bennacer’s loan spell at Dinamo Zagreb was seen as an emergency solution, with the Croatian club not even covering his full salary. Milan are keen to avoid repeating such a scenario this summer, making a permanent exit the most logical path forward. The MN Contract termination imminent as Milan leave Bennacer out of pre-season squad marks a significant shift in the club’s midfield planning, as the Rossoneri look to free up resources for new signings.

Qatari side Al Shamal Sports Club has emerged as the frontrunner to secure Bennacer’s services, with sources indicating they are pushing hard for his arrival. Given the mutual desire for a clean break, the transfer could be finalized in the coming days. However, Milan will not be able to fully monetize the deal, unlike the previous interest from Saudi Arabia that had raised hopes of a larger fee. This development underscores the urgency of the situation, as the MN Contract termination imminent as Milan leave Bennacer out of pre-season squad leaves little room for negotiation.

The 26-year-old joined Milan in 2019 from Empoli and was a key figure in the club’s Serie A title win in 2021–22. However, injuries and inconsistent form have diminished his role over the past two years, leading to the current impasse. The decision to leave him out of the pre-season squad effectively signals the end of his Milan career, as the club prioritizes a new midfield core under coach Paulo Fonseca.

Bennacer’s departure will also have implications for Milan’s wage structure. By terminating his contract, the club will save €7.4 million gross annually, which can be reinvested in targets such as a new defensive midfielder. The Algerian international, valued at around €10 million according to Transfermarkt, will now look to relaunch his career in the Middle East. Al Shamal, a club from the Qatar Stars League, is reportedly offering a competitive salary package to lure him away from European football.

Milan’s proactive approach to offloading Bennacer highlights their determination to streamline the squad after a disappointing season. The Rossoneri finished fourth in Serie A last term and are looking to rebuild for a stronger challenge in 2024–25. The termination of Bennacer’s contract, while not generating a substantial transfer fee, is a cost-cutting move that aligns with the club’s financial sustainability goals.

For Bennacer, the move to Al Shamal represents a fresh start after a turbulent period. His loan at Dinamo Zagreb did not yield consistent playing time, and he now has the opportunity to become a key player in a less demanding league. However, questions remain over his adaptability and whether he can rediscover the form that made him a standout performer in Italy.

As the transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on Milanello, where Bennacer will train individually with a fitness coach until a permanent club is found. The MN Contract termination imminent as Milan leave Bennacer out of pre-season squad is a clear indicator that the midfielder’s time at San Siro is over, with Al Shamal likely to be his next destination. The coming days will be crucial in finalizing the deal and allowing both parties to move on.