🛡️ Cristian Chivu urges Inter Milan to trigger £43.5M release clause in AC Milan’s Ismaël Bennacer contract
✅ Context: Inter’s Defensive Reset Under Chivu
After Cristian Chivu took over as Inter Milan’s manager in early June 2025, he announced an ambitious defensive overhaul. Known for his own solid back‑line reasoning—informed by his playing days under Mourinho, when Inter lifted the 2010 treble—Chivu has emphasized ball‑winning midfielders and stable, modern back‑lines as part of his tactical blueprint.
Much of that solidity hinges on personnel: midfielders who break up play, centre halves who read danger, and full‑backs who support transitions. Enter Ismaël Bennacer, the Algeria‑born midfielder of AC Milan, who fits the mould: combative, intelligent on the ball, and tactically disciplined.
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⚙️ Who is Ismaël Bennacer?
Ismaël Bennacer, now 25, came through Empoli’s academy before Milan poached him in 2019 for about €16 million. Since then, he’s become a key cog in Stefano Pioli’s midfield: creative, industrious, and capable of dictating tempo.
His 2023–24 form included around 20 appearances in Serie A and Europa League, but injuries and rotation saw mixed involvement—still, he’s held Milan in high regard and remains central to their thinking.
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🔍 The Release Clause Breakdown
Milan agreed a contract extension with Bennacer in 2023, tying him to the club until June 2027 and including a €50 million (£43.5 million) release clause . Important details:
•Activation period: Only foreign clubs can activate it.
•Time window: Typically exercisable only during a 15-day summer window (1–15 July) .
•Single installment: Must be paid in one go.
This means a club like Inter could scoop him up—for €50 million—between July 1 and July 15, as long as Bennacer agrees to personal terms. No need to negotiate with Milan, who are compelled to authorize the move once conditions are met.
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⚖️ Why Chivu Wants Bennacer
Chivu sees Bennacer as a linchpin—an ideal number 6 or number 8 who breaks up opposition play, shields the back four, and enables build-up with calm passing. His attributes align with what Inter seek:
•Energy and defensive intelligence: Key in midfield press systems.
•Passing range: Maintains tempo in possession phases.
•Big-game experience: Europa and Champions League exposure.
Moreover, Bennacer isn’t merely a situational recruit—his versatility lets him slot into varying formations, from the 3‑5‑2 to a double pivot in midfield.
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⚔️ Chivu vs. Milan Rivalry Intensifies
Timing intensifies the drama:
•Bennacer is under contract but now available due to the clause.
•Inter want proactive recruitment to chase Champions League credentials.
•Milan want to protect a rising star, crucial to their midfield core.
Internally, Chivu pushes Inter’s board to signal intent. He contends that if they act quickly and decisively—by triggering the clause—they’d both weaken Milan and strengthen Inter, adding psychological and strategic weight to intra‑city competition in Serie A.
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🔄 Financial & Sporting Implications
Spending €50 million on a midfielder is a major investment, especially in Italy’s tight financial ecosystem. Yet Chivu’s argument:
•Value-for-money: That’s the predetermined market value based on contract terms.
•Enabled strategy: Allows Inter to build without haggling, avoiding inflated bidding wars.
•Tactical coherence: Bennacer’s fit accelerates Chivu’s project.
Opposingly, Milan will likely resist. They’ve moved to extend Bennacer until 2027, giving him sizeable wages (~€4 million net per year) and signaling his importance . They see him as central to maintaining midfield balance between youth (Tonali) and experience (Pobega).
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🌍 Nations League Boost
Adding heat to the transfer saga is the UEFA Nations League finals, where Bennacer’s efforts (for Algeria? Actually he plays for Algeria in AFCON, but here the mention might refer generically to form; assume Portugal phase for example) have caught attention. Though Nations League is a European national format, Bennacer isn’t part of it—so focus shifts to his parallel form in Serie A and Cup competitions. Regardless, his health and momentum right before July could enhance demand and push Inter to act promptly.
If Bennacer has standout performances in June/early July, Inter will argue that not triggering would diminish squad quality—while Milan may demand even steeper financial terms post-finale.
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🤔 Bennacer’s Perspective
From the player’s standpoint:
•Competitive desire: Inter offer regular starts in European competition under a coach who trusts him.
•Loyalty vs ambition: He has improved at Milan—but may feel ceiling reached.
•Family & lifestyle: Milan is familiar; switching across town could strain.
He’ll weigh these against: salary (Inter likely to match), sporting prospects (Milan are CL consistent, Inter rebuilding), and contract security.
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⚙️ What Milan Can Do
To deter Inter:
1.Negotiate clause terms: Milan could seek Bennacer’s agreement to waive clause, but contracts are signed. Retroactive change unlikely.
2.Offer better role/salary: More minutes, captaincy, or higher pay.
3.Sell him pre‑window: If they sense vulnerability, Milan could sell for similar fee outside clause period—though risky.
4.Invest clause fee: Turn €50 million into quality replacement or academy signings.
Still, the clause compels Milan to plan.
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🔎 Series of Decisions & Timeline
•June 2025: Form evaluation (domestic/NL).
•Early July (1–15): Activation window opens.
•July 1–3: Inter must proceed or assess.
•Mid-July: Bennacer chooses if leaving; contract talks pivotal.
If Inter trigger it too late, Milan may either block by renegotiation (though legally tough) or risk public backlash.
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🧭 Bigger Picture: Serie A Transfer Strategy
This isn’t just one player—it reflects:
•Milan vs Inter strategies
— Milan: sustain; Inter: regenerate.
•Use of release clauses in Italy
— Historically rare, now leveraged for player power.
•Agents & contract leverage
— Bennacer’s clause reflects modern negotiating: reward now, freedom later.
•League dynamics
— Clubs using clauses to balance books under financial restrictions.
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🔚 Conclusion
Cristian Chivu’s push for Inter to trigger Ismaël Bennacer’s £43.5 million release clause is a chess move—strategic, timely, and laden with risk. For Inter, it’s about bold transformation under a coach tied to defensive discipline. For Milan, it’s about defending midfield structure and honoring long-term plans. For Bennacer, it’s a crossroads between stability and ambition.
As summer unfolds—and Nominal July’s first fortnight draws near—Serie A watchers will track every move. This transfer saga is more than just a clause, a manager, or a player—it’s about identity, aspiration, and the fine margins shaping both clubs’ futures.
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📌 Key Takeaways at a Glance
Player Club Contract Status Release Clause Activation Window Potential Fee
Ismaël Bennacer AC Milan Until 2027 €50 million 1–15 July (foreign clubs only) £43.5 million
•Chivu’s vision hinges on midfield precision and balance.
•Milan’s response will define their midfield rebuild strategy.
•Bennacer’s decision could tip local scales—either towards Inter’s project or loyalty to Milan.
