L’Olympique de Marseille was hoping to retain Ismaël Bennacer with a new loan for the 2025-2026 season, but this prospect seems to be lost to the growing interest of the Saudi Pro League. The Algerian midfielder, on loan from AC Milan last season, has not managed to impose himself on OM for a long time, partly because of recurrent injuries and a difficulty in convincing Roberto De Zerbi of his tenure. Despite a common desire to extend its Marseille adventure, the Phocéan club finally gave up the option of buying 12 million euros, due to a mixed balance sheet.

Aware of this situation, the Olympian leaders tried to revive the case by negotiating a new loan with Milan, provided that Bennacer accepts a wage reduction deemed too high by OM. However, this attempt seems to compromise the arrival on stage of a financially more powerful contender: the Saudi Pro League. Saudi clubs would consider recruiting Bennacer, potentially accompanied by his Milanese team-mate Yacine Adli, with particularly attractive contractual offers.

This reversal of the situation could place OM in the background in the Bennacer file, making its future uncertain. If the Algerian player were to give in to the temptation of golf, the Marseille club should turn to other tracks to strengthen its midfield. The mercato is thus still long and enlivened at the Canebière, and the fate of Ismaël Bennacer remains more than ever suspended.