Al-Gharafa secures Ismael Bennacer after AC Milan contract termination

Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer has reached a mutual agreement with AC Milan to terminate his contract, which was due to run until the summer of 2027. The termination allows him to join Qatar Stars League side Al‑Gharafa SC on a free transfer.

Reports from Italian transfer analysts Gianluca Di Marzio and Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the deal is finalised, making Bennacer the newest signing for Al‑Gharafa. The midfielder spent the recent seasons on loan at Olympique Marseille and GNK Dinamo Zagreb after having limited playing time at Milan. He will sign a new contract with Al‑Gharafa and undergo a medical ahead of the move.

The transfer ends speculation that fellow Qatari club Al‑Shamal SC might sign him, and it also closes the chapter on any potential sell‑on fee for his former club Arsenal, who will receive nothing from the free move.