OM: Bennacer, the comeback that divides — hope, injuries, and big money on the table

Let’s be honest: our midfield is bare bones. Rongier is already in Rennes, Rabiot will be nothing but a (bad) memory, and beyond Angel Gomes and Højbjerg, it’s a wasteland. Kondogbia isn’t cutting it anymore, our youngsters Nadir and Bakola have talent but still lack the engine for Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Result: we’re heading into the end of the transfer window with a key position overheating. How did we get here? Management played with fire, and now we have to put out the blaze.

Bennacer, the comeback that divides opinion

And here comes the name of Ismaël Bennacer again. We know his recent story with us: a loan last winter, wrecked by injuries, the rhythm never regained. But De Zerbi loves him. At 27, with his vision, composure under pressure, experience… you can see why the coach wants him. Bennacer already knows the dressing room, the club, the vibe. And above all, he reportedly turned down massive offers in Saudi Arabia to prioritize Marseille. Classy move. But let’s be honest: aren’t we getting hyped for a player whose body says stop every three months?

Milan shuts the door on a loan, the price goes up

The problem is Milan. According to Daniele Longo, the loan is off: it’ll be an outright sale or nothing. The Rossoneri even received €10m offers from Saudi clubs… turned down by Bennacer. Translation: if we want him, we’ll have to pay, and pay big. And all that for a player who isn’t even part of their preseason anymore. That stings. He’s under contract until 2027: Milan has no urgency to sell at a loss. So should OM break the bank for a gamble of this magnitude?

Transfer window under pressure, OM with their back against the wall

There are nine days left before the transfer window closes. Nine days to wrap up five or six signings still promised. But let’s be clear: central midfield is the top priority. Bennacer is a reassuring option for De Zerbi — he knows the coach, the project — but also a ticking time bomb in terms of fitness and finances. If this deal falls through, we’ll need to find an alternative fast, or risk starting the season with a vital area cobbled together at the last minute. And at the Vélodrome, that won’t be forgiven.

Everything can change in a snap

This is the transfer window: one decision, one move from the player, and everything changes. If Bennacer pushes, if Milan softens its stance, we can still believe in a twist. If not, OM will have to pivot quickly. Because sticking with Gomes–Højbjerg and few options behind them is condemning ourselves to suffer on all fronts.

And we, the fans — what do we choose?

So do we go all-in on Bennacer and hope our luck turns? Or do we stop dreaming and look for a more reliable Plan B? The debate is red-hot. One thing’s for sure: we no longer have the luxury of waiting.

Bennacer, yes or no? Drop your thoughts in the comments, because it’s now or never.