Morocco Defender Returns to Monaco After Loan Spell

Morocco defender Youssef Ait Bennasser will return to AS Monaco after ending his loan spell with Girondins de Bordeaux.

The 23-year-old endured a torrid season on loan at Saint-Etienne before cutting short the deal for a return to Monaco where he was immediately loaned to Bordeaux.

At Bordeaux, Bennasser made 16 appearances across all competitions, registering one assist without finding the back of the net.

The French Ligue1 outfit had an option to buy but have now released a statement indicating that the Toul-born player will not be part of their squad next season.

“FC Girondins de Bordeaux informs you of not exercising the purchase option for Youssef Aït-Bennasser,” reads the statement.

“The player will return to AS Monaco, the club with which he has a contract, at the end of his loan.

“In Bordeaux, the Moroccan international played 16 matches in all competitions (with a decisive pass).

“The club thanks Youssef for his contribution and wishes him the best for the rest of his career.”

The Moroccan international still has a running contract with Monaco until 2021 and being a technically-gifted midfield playmaker, with clear potential for further improvement, the club might keep him for longer.

Bennasser made his international debut in 2016 he has already featured in three major competitions with the Atlas Lions including the African Cup of Nations in 2017 and 2019 and the World Cup in 2018. He currently has 22 full caps.