Algeria international Ismaël Bennacer is heading back to AC Milan. Dinamo Zagreb will not trigger his €10 million buy option, according to journalist Nicolò Schira.
Bennacer’s spell in Croatia is already coming to an end. According to transfer specialist Nicolò Schira, Dinamo Zagreb have decided not to activate the €10 million purchase option included in his loan deal. Slowed by injuries — including a thigh problem picked up during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations — the Algerian midfielder managed just 13 appearances, scoring once and adding two assists. Too modest a return to convince the Croatian side to commit long term.
The 2019 AFCON champion, named the tournament’s best player, will therefore return to AC Milan, where he remains under contract until June 2027. The homecoming looks tricky, though: again per Schira, Bennacer is not part of the Rossoneri’s plans and could leave again as soon as this summer. At 28, one of Algeria’s standout talents must rebuild his career — at a pivotal moment for the Fennecs. This saga is far from over.