Ismaël Bennacer's career takes an unexpected new turn. The one who had shone during the 2019 African Cup of Nations, being appointed best player in the tournament, has just found a fall point which arouses as much curiosity as questions. At only 27 years old, the Algerian international already said goodbye to the highest European level to bounce elsewhere.
Bennacer joins Dinamo Zagreb
AC Milan midfielder has signed up with Dinamo Zagreb in the form of a loan with purchase option. The Croatian club, qualified for the Europa League, formalized its arrival by emphasizing the experience of the Algerian, passed by Empoli, Milan and recently Marseille. A surprising choice, both Bennacer, was still playing recently in the biggest championships, but which reflects the gradual disengagement of major European clubs towards it.
Leaving Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Champions League for the Croatian championship appears to be a sports regression. But in Zagreb, Bennacer will have the opportunity to find playing time, to express himself without the same media pressure and to prepare calmly for the next CAN in Morocco, as well as for deadlines with Algeria. His recurring physical concerns have slowed down his progression and this new context could allow him to blow and rebuild.
A decline but also an opportunity
In Zagreb, Bennacer also follows the trace of other Algerians, like Hilal Soudani, who had imposed on it and had made an impression. Dinamo hopes that the old Rossonero will bring stability and technical quality to its environment. For Bennacer, this transfer also illustrates the desire to favor a project on a human scale rather than clinging to disappointed ambitions in the big leagues.
This new Croatian chapter does not erase the feeling of mess around a player who, recently, was one of the best media in Serie A. But it could well be a smart bet: playing, finding its level, and becoming a must -see with Algeria. A few months before the CAN, Bennacer therefore chose Zagreb as a springboard. It remains to be seen whether this choice will relaunch a career still far from having said its last word.
