Mercato OM: Ismaël Bennacer

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Post on Feb 04, 2025

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Mercato OM: Ismaël Bennacer – A Missed Opportunity or a Wise Decision?

Ismaël Bennacer. The name resonates with a certain bittersweetness amongst Olympique de Marseille fans. The Algerian international midfielder, now a key figure at AC Milan, spent a significant period of his career at the Orange Vélodrome, but his departure continues to spark debate. Was letting him go a costly mistake, or was it a pragmatic decision in the context of the club's situation at the time? Let's delve into the details and revisit the saga of Ismaël Bennacer and OM.

Bennacer's Time at OM: A Rising Star

Bennacer joined OM in 2015, initially on loan before making a permanent transfer. His time at the club wasn't immediately marked by explosive success, but rather a gradual evolution into a formidable midfielder. He showed glimpses of his immense potential: technical skill, tireless work rate, and an innate ability to dictate the tempo of a game. However, consistency remained a challenge, and the team itself went through periods of instability.

Key Attributes & Performance Highlights:

• Technical Prowess: Bennacer consistently displayed impressive ball control, passing accuracy, and dribbling ability.
• Defensive Contributions: He showed great tenacity and positional awareness, proving to be a reliable shield for the backline.
• Tactical Versatility: He could adapt to different midfield roles, contributing both offensively and defensively.
• Limited Game Time: Unfortunately, consistent first-team action wasn't always guaranteed, hindering his overall development and consistent impact.

The Departure: A Transfer Saga & its Implications

Bennacer's eventual departure to Empoli in 2019 marked a turning point. While the transfer fee wasn't exorbitant, the long-term consequences have fueled much discussion among OM supporters. Many felt that the club let a future star slip away too easily. The timing, amidst a period of transition and uncertainty at OM, likely played a significant role.

Analyzing the Decision:

• Financial Constraints: OM might have been facing financial limitations, making it difficult to offer Bennacer a competitive contract or resist a tempting offer.
• Playing Time Guarantees: Competition for places in the midfield likely meant Bennacer couldn't be guaranteed regular first-team football. The move to Empoli offered him a clear path to more consistent playing minutes.
• Strategic Choices: Perhaps OM's recruitment strategy at the time prioritized other players, leaving Bennacer to be seen as a transferable asset.

Bennacer's Success at AC Milan: A Validation of Potential?

Bennacer’s subsequent move to AC Milan proved to be transformative. He blossomed into one of Serie A's most respected midfielders, playing a key role in their 2021/22 Scudetto triumph and Champions League success. His performances have undoubtedly raised questions about the decisions made during his time at OM. His success highlights the club's potential missed opportunity.

Could OM Have Retained Him?

Retrospectively, keeping Bennacer might have been strategically advantageous. However, considering the context of the club's circumstances at the time – financial difficulties, managerial changes, and the general volatility of the team – the decision to sell becomes more understandable, even if it now seems regrettable.

Conclusion: A Lesson Learned?

The Ismaël Bennacer story serves as a case study in football transfer market complexities. While his departure might be viewed as a regret, it also underscores the challenges involved in nurturing young talent and making tough decisions within a constantly evolving football landscape. For OM, it's a reminder of the importance of securing key players and building a stable, long-term project, capable of attracting and retaining talent like Bennacer. The question remains: has OM learned from this experience? Only time will tell.