Reports circulating from Italy suggest that clubs within the Saudi Pro League are actively assessing the potential acquisition of two AC Milan midfielders, Ismael Bennacer and Yacine Adli.
Both players have recently concluded loan periods and their futures at the Milanese club appear uncertain, with a departure seemingly on the horizon. This development aligns with the ongoing strategic recruitment drive by Saudi clubs, targeting a range of talents from European leagues, often with significant financial incentives attached.
Ismael Bennacer, an Algerian international born in 1997, spent the recent season on loan at Olympique de Marseille. His tenure there included 12 appearances in Ligue 1, where he registered 2 assists, alongside participation in 3 Europa League fixtures. Bennacer is currently contracted to AC Milan until June 2027, suggesting any potential move would require a negotiated transfer fee.
Yacine Adli, a French midfielder born in 2000, spent the previous campaign at Fiorentina. He accumulated 35 appearances across all competitions – Serie A, Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Conference League. Notably, Adli found the back of the net 4 times in Serie A, contributing a further goal in the Conference League group stage. He also provided 3 assists. One of his Serie A goals was coincidentally scored against his parent club, AC Milan, during Fiorentina`s 3-2 victory – perhaps a rather pointed audition, or just football`s little ironies at play.
Adli`s contractual situation with Milan is more immediate, with his current agreement set to expire next year. This difference in contract length could influence the nature of any potential Saudi approach compared to that for Bennacer.
It is important to frame this interest as initial `soundings` or inquiries rather than formal, concrete transfer bids. Saudi Pro League clubs are evidently exploring the market for players who may be available for strategic reasons, such as returning loanees whose long-term roles at their parent clubs are under review. The financial packages potentially offered by Saudi clubs often represent a significant factor for both players and selling clubs looking to manage their squads and wage bills.
While the exact destinations and terms remain speculative, the reported inquiries for both Bennacer and Adli underscore the active, some might say relentless, role of Saudi Arabian football in the global transfer landscape and hint at potential departures from the San Siro roster this summer.
