Ismael Bennacer strongly wanted Marseille and did everything to direct the transfer from Milan in January.
His first months with his boyhood club have been complicated due to the team's general downturn, which put qualification for the next Champions League at risk, as well as physical difficulties. So far, the Algerian international has made 8 appearances for a total of 493 minutes, registering only one assist.

Mehdi Benatia, sporting director of the Rossoneri club, and Roberto De Zerbi are the main supporters of Ismael Bennacer. Marseille's current stance is to keep the Algerian international for next season as well, by purchasing his contract permanently from Milan. Only a departure of the Italian coach could jeopardize the deal.
Milan considers Bennacer’s cycle to be over and did not appreciate the pressure exerted by the player to leave on the last day of the January transfer window. Marseille has already paid 1 million euros for the loan and now Milan expects to also collect the 12 million from the buyout.
A meeting between Mehdi Benatia and Geoffrey Moncada already took place in Milan about ten days ago, and there is great harmony between the parties, including for possible operations in the future. First, however, the Bennacer deal must be fully finalized.
Source: Calciomercato.com
