AC Milan are fourth in Europe in the back combination this season, and the value of two players has soared.
When Ivorian Kessie decided to leave the Rossoneri, it was widely believed that Pioli's side needed to make the necessary reinforcements for the midfield position in the transfer market, otherwise it would be difficult to maintain a balanced squad in the game. The club's management also searched for suitable candidates this summer, but due to various factors, the Rossoneri chose to trust Bennasser and Tonali, two players who have been with them for many years.
Although there is still room for improvement in their physical toughness and defensive coverage, they have delivered excellent performances in terms of technical prowess and are the hub of the Rossoneri's midfield. AC Milan are currently behind leaders Napoli by three points after 11 rounds of Serie A, and with the final round of the Champions League group stage remaining, they also maintain the absolute initiative to qualify.
According to European media statistics, the duo are currently the fourth-ranked midfield combination in the Europa League, behind Arsenal's Xhaka and Thomas, Tottenham's Hoiber and Bentancur, and Atalanta's De Jongen and Konamepps. Their form will also largely determine the Rossoneri's results this season, with no one under manager Pioli to replace the duo's key role for the time being.
With their excellent performances, their value in the transfer market has also skyrocketed, far exceeding the transfer fee spent on the introduction of AC Milan. According to statistics from the transfer market, the 22-year-old is worth a whopping 50 million euros, while the 24-year-old Bennaser has reached 33 million euros.
A favourite of Rossoneri fans, Italy international Tonali just announced in early September that he had signed a contract extension with AC Milan until 2027, and his loyalty and spirit to the team are unquestionable and will be the backbone of the club's revival. However, the future of Algerian Bennasser is still undecided, and the player's current contract will officially expire next summer, and he has already attracted the attention of some of the big teams. The two sides still have not reached a consensus on remuneration and package, and further negotiations are needed.