AC Milan have confirmed they have agreed to terminate Ismael Bennacer’s contract, with the Algeria international set to join Al-Gharafa in the Qatar Stars League.
Bennacer has not made a competitive appearance for Milan since February 2025, having suffered a serious knee injury the previous season.
He has spent the last 18 months out on loan, representing Marseille 12 times in the second half of 2024-25, then playing 19 matches for Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb last season.
Bennacer was part of the Rossoneri team that won the club’s 19th Serie A title in 2021-22, making 31 appearances under Stefano Pioli that campaign and scoring two goals.
Overall, he played 178 games for the Italian giants after joining from Empoli in 2019.
Only six players – led by Rafael Leao with 291 outings – have represented Milan more often since his arrival.
Grazie di tutto @acmilan pic.twitter.com/QXTdXVsbJ0
— Ismaël Bennacer (@IsmaelBennacer) August 7, 2026
“Dear Milan fans. Last year, I said goodbye without ever thinking those words would turn out to be a farewell,” Bennacer said in a video posted to social media.
“For more than five years, I wore this shirt with pride and passion alongside incredible team-mates, supported by your unconditional love.
“Winning the Scudetto in this shirt is one of the most beautiful memories of my career, and playing in front of you at San Siro was one of the greatest honours.”
Reports suggest Bennacer is set to join Al-Gharafa, who finished fourth in the Qatar Stars League last season and are managed by Pedro Martins.
