Rumours originating from the transfer market suggest that AC Milan could potentially see interest from the Saudi Pro League for two of their midfielders this summer. Reports circulating indicate that clubs operating in Saudi Arabia have made initial inquiries regarding the availability of Ismael Bennacer and Yacine Adli.
This development arrives as the Saudi league continues its notably aggressive recruitment strategy, seeking to attract established talent from top European divisions and bolster its profile on the global football stage.
Focus on Yacine Adli
Yacine Adli, the French midfielder born in 2000, spent the most recent season on loan at Fiorentina. He had a reasonably active campaign with the Viola, making 35 appearances across Serie A, Coppa Italia, and the Conference League. His statistical contribution included 4 goals in Serie A – notably scoring against Milan themselves in a 3-2 match at the Franchi Stadium in Florence – plus one goal in the Conference League group stage, and providing 3 assists overall.
Adli`s contract with AC Milan is reportedly set to expire next summer, in June 2025. With his loan spell concluded and his return to Milanello, his future at Milan is currently the subject of considerable uncertainty. This contractual situation potentially positions him as a viable candidate for a transfer if a suitable offer materializes. His status as a player returning from a loan spell and entering the final year of his contract aligns neatly with the phrase often used in transfer circles: potentially being “suitcase ready” for a new destination if a permanent place in the squad is not guaranteed.
Focus on Ismael Bennacer
The inclusion of Ismael Bennacer in these reports is arguably more noteworthy. Bennacer, an Algerian international born in 1997, is a well-established and frequently key member of the AC Milan squad when fit. He holds a significant contract with the Rossoneri that runs until June 30, 2027. Unlike Adli, he has not been on loan recently but is considered a core player, although injuries have sometimes impacted his consistent availability.
Any potential movement regarding Bennacer would represent a significant acquisition for a Saudi club, given his profile and contract length, and a notable departure for Milan. Such a transfer would undoubtedly require a substantial financial offer to even be seriously considered by the Milan management, especially considering his importance to the team over recent seasons. While the reports mention inquiries, they fall short of confirming concrete bids, which would be the necessary next step for a player of Bennacer`s calibre and contract status.
The Saudi Angle and Milan`s Perspective
For AC Milan, handling inquiries for players is a standard, almost routine, part of the transfer window process. The club`s management typically evaluates incoming offers against their ongoing sporting project and financial objectives. While Adli`s situation (a returning loanee with a contract nearing expiry) might naturally lead to transfer speculation and make a sale strategically sensible, interest in a key player like Bennacer highlights the significant and growing financial power of the Saudi Pro League on the global transfer market.
It is crucial to reiterate that `inquiries` or `sondaggi` are merely initial expressions of interest from potential buyers and do not constitute formal, actionable bids. They are preliminary steps in the complex transfer process, indicating that these players are currently on the radar of clubs in Saudi Arabia. Whether these initial checks develop into concrete offers and subsequent potential negotiations remains to be seen as the transfer window progresses. The coming weeks will undoubtedly reveal if the Saudi spotlight on these two AC Milan midfielders leads to tangible movement or if these remain simply exploratory contacts.