AC Milan’s Ismaël Bennacer nearing another Marseille loan

Olympique de Marseille will not activate the buy option included in Ismaël Bennacer’s (27) loan from AC Milan, however, the Algerian is expected to be playing at the Vélodrome next season, according to a report from L’Équipe.

Joining on loan in January, Bennacer enjoyed a strong start to life at Marseille, proving a valuable element in their midfield. However, as the season progressed, his influence waned. The Algeria international was not helped by a string of minor injuries that hindered his fitness levels.

Nonetheless, he did start eight times for OM at the back end of the season. Whilst OM’s hierarchy has not been sufficiently convinced to activate the €12m buy option included in the deal last January, they do want to keep the midfielder.