Former OM man Bennacer lands new club… and officially closes the Marseille chapter

The European transfer market sometimes springs pleasant surprises. That’s the case this time for Ismaël Bennacer. According to information confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, the Algerian AC Milan midfielder has found an unexpected landing spot: Dinamo Zagreb, Croatian champions and regulars in European competition.

A loan finalized with an option to buy

The deal is official: Bennacer is joining Dinamo Zagreb on a one-year loan with an option to buy. The transaction is complete, and the Algeria international is expected in Zagreb today for his medical and to sign.

Marseille chapter closed

Recall that Bennacer was loaned to OM during the winter window but failed to establish himself in Marseille’s midfield. Given the cost of the option to buy and lingering doubts over his fitness, Marseille’s management chose not to trigger the clause.

A strategic step to bounce back

Dinamo Zagreb have pulled off a real coup in the market here. Although officially still under contract with Milan until 2027, Bennacer arrives in Croatia in an environment where he could regain consistency. For AC Milan, it’s also a way to slightly reduce the wage bill while giving an exit route to a player seeking minutes.

Trajectory: from OM to Zagreb, an unexpected path

This move to Zagreb definitively closes the book on his (short) stint at OM — a season where a return had never really been on the cards. Dinamo, accustomed to shining domestically and to strong runs in Europe, offers Bennacer a genuine platform to relaunch. A strategic transition for a technically gifted player whose profile will remain in demand for a long time.