AC Milan's Algeria international defensive midfielder Ismaël Bennacer officially joins Al-Gharafa on a free transfer..

Al-Gharafa announced on its official website on Thursday that AC Milan's Algeria international defensive midfielder Ismaël Bennacer has joined the club on a free transfer.

According to the Qatar Stars League giants' official statement, Bennacer has signed on a short-term one-year deal with the club which will only run until the summer of 2027.

About Ismaël Bennacer

The 28-year-old Ismaël Bennacer was born on December 1, 1997, in Arles, France. He is 1.75 meters tall and plays as a defensive midfielder. He holds French, Algerian, and Moroccan citizenship.

Bennacer joined his hometown club Arles' youth academy at a young age, and began playing for the team's reserves in the summer of 2014.

In the summer of 2015, Bennacer moved to Arsenal's youth academy, before completing a substitute appearance for the Gunners in the fourth round of the League Cup in October of that year. During this spell, he was also loaned back to France to play for Tours for further development.

In August 2017, Bennacer joined Empoli, and won the Serie B with the club.

Although Empoli failed to avoid relegation the following season, Bennacer's outstanding performances quickly attracted the attention of several top clubs.

In August 2019, Bennacer transferred to AC Milan for €16 million.

During his five-and-a-half-year spell with I Rossoneri, Bennacer won one Serie A title and one Supercoppa Italiana with the club.

On the 2025 winter transfer window deadline day, Bennacer was loaned-out to Marseille, where he performed admirably.

In September of the same year, Bennacer joined Dinamo Zagreb on-loan.

Last season, Bennacer made 19 appearances for Dynamo Zagreb in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists, helping the team achieve a Croatian HNL and Croatian Cup double.

Image source: Internet / Al-Gharafa official website