Mehdi Benatia has emerged as a potential candidate for the Sporting Director role at AC Milan, a move that could mark the former Moroccan international’s return to Italian football following his departure from Olympique de Marseille.
The Lombard club has yet to make a final decision as it evaluates several profiles to restructure its sports management, with further contacts and interviews scheduled over the coming weeks.
Journalist Matteo Moretto revealed that Benatia is on Milan’s shortlist, noting that the Moroccan would be enthusiastic about returning to work in Italy—a country he knows intimately from his playing career.
The 39-year-old represented Udinese, AS Roma, and Juventus during his playing days, in addition to a spell at Bayern Munich, while earning 40 international caps for Morocco.
Following his retirement, Benatia worked as a sports advisor and later as Director of Football at Marseille. He initially announced his intention to step down in February before temporarily reversing his decision at the request of owner Frank McCourt to see out the season.
Benatia officially departed his role in May following a turbulent campaign and subsequently transitioned into a punditry role with Canal+, though he kept the door open for a managerial return under the right project.
AC Milan have been seeking a new Sporting Director since parting ways with Igli Tare at the end of May following the team’s failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, prompting ownership to review the structure overseeing recruitment and squad construction.
Benatia would offer Milan a blend of deep Italian football knowledge and recent transfer market experience. However, his candidacy remains at the evaluation stage, with no advanced agreement currently in place with the Rossoneri.
