Ismael Bennacer has officially joined Al Gharafa, ending more than a month without a club after reaching an agreement to terminate his contract with AC Milan.
The Algeria international leaves Lombardy after seven years with the Rossoneri, during which he made 174 Serie A appearances. His move to Qatar brings an end to uncertainty over the next stage of his career.
Bennacer, who will turn 29 in December, joined AC Milan in 2019 following his spell at Empoli. He played an important role in the club’s Serie A title success during the 2021-22 season.
Injuries disrupted final Milan years
The midfielder’s progress was affected by recurring knee injuries from 2023 onwards. Those problems reduced his physical consistency and contributed to successive loan spells with Olympique de Marseille and Dinamo Zagreb.
Bennacer has not played for AC Milan in an official match since 2025. His injury problems, combined with a mixed spell in Croatia, kept him away from competitive football for several months.
He was a regular visitor to Doha’s Aspetar clinic while undergoing treatment and was recently seen in the stands at a cup match in Qatar alongside Adam Ounas. He has now made the country his next destination by signing for Al Gharafa.
The Qatari club has not disclosed the length of Bennacer’s contract. The player will join a squad competing in the AFC Champions League, with Al Gharafa due to face Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal on Tuesday in their opening fixture.
The move gives Bennacer the opportunity to rebuild his career in a new league after a difficult period affected by injury and limited playing time.
According to Transfermarkt, the midfielder is currently valued at 8 million euros. During his time in Italy, he received an annual salary of 7,040,000 euros, equivalent to 4,576,000,000 FCFA.
Al Gharafa’s AFC Champions League campaign begins against Al Hilal, who are listed as the clear favourites for the fixture. The match will mark Bennacer’s first opportunity to feature for his new club after his departure from AC Milan.