AC Milan are set to welcome back Ismael Bennacer after his loan spell at Dinamo Zagreb, but the Algerian midfielder's hefty salary could prove to be a problem. Bennacer's contract with Milan is worth 4 million euros per year, plus 7.5 million euros in gross salary, making his total cost nearly 9 million euros. This is a significant burden for a player who has not been considered a key part of the team's project.

Bennacer had a successful stint at Empoli before joining Milan in 2019, but a serious knee injury hindered his progress. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, he has struggled to regain his form and has been surpassed in the team's hierarchy. Dinamo Zagreb decided not to exercise their 10 million euro option to buy him, and it's unclear if Milan can find a buyer willing to pay his transfer fee.

The situation is complicated by the fact that Bennacer's contract is set to expire in a year. Milan's new coach, Ruben Amorim, will have to consider whether to integrate Bennacer into his plans or look to offload him. With the club's future leadership still uncertain, managing the squad and making tough decisions on player contracts will be crucial.

Zvonimir Boban, Dinamo Zagreb's president and a former Milan player, expressed interest in keeping Bennacer, but only if he can renegotiate his contract with Milan. This adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as Milan will need to balance their squad needs with the financial realities of Bennacer's salary.