Atlético de Madrid were determined to strengthen their midfield during the last transfer window, and one of the names that was strongly mentioned was Ismael Bennace . However, despite the efforts and reaching an initial agreement with the Italian club, the signing of the Algerian international did not materialise. Gil Marín, CEO of the red-and-white club, got tired of waiting and decided to back out of the negotiations, leaving Bennacer out of the project.
Atletico had had a busy transfer window, with the arrival of players such as Conor Gallagher , but the club was looking to improve further. Bennacer was seen as an ideal option to bring quality and depth to the team.
Failed last minute signing
According to Sky Sport Italia, Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement with AC Milan for the loan of Bennacer. However, negotiations stalled due to Atletico's refusal to assume the entirety of the player's salary, a condition that Milan considered indispensable for the operation. There was also the option of a permanent transfer, but Atletico's financial restrictions, after a summer of large investments, made it impossible to meet the Italian club's demands.
The situation was further complicated by the recent injury to Pablo Barrios , one of Atlético's young talents in midfield. Barrios' absence could have increased the need for reinforcement in that position, making the failed signing of Bennacer even more painful for the club. In the coming weeks, it will be seen how this situation will affect the team's performance and whether further measures will be taken in the winter transfer market.
An addition that is now necessary
Gil Marín, aware of the financial constraints and the balance sheet needed to maintain the stability of the club, opted not to force the deal. This decision, although pragmatic, has left many fans with the feeling of a missed opportunity. The signing of Bennacer could have offered Atlético a valuable alternative in midfield, especially with the challenges facing the team this season.
The failed signing of Bennacer highlights the complexity and challenges of the transfer market. Gil Marín and Atlético will now have to evaluate their options and find internal solutions to cover the team's needs in the coming months. In the meantime, fans will continue to pay close attention to how the team develops and whether any reinforcements will finally be made in the winter window.