Adel Taarabt could be heading back to AC Milan during the January transfer window, having failed to make an impression at Benfica.
At one stage of his career the playmaker was considered to be amongst the most exciting talents in world football, but it hasn’t quite worked out for him. Having left Lens for Tottenham Hotspur in 2007 he found it difficult to break into the first team picture, and after a successful loan spell at Queens Park Rangers, he made a permanent switch to the Loftus Road side.
Taarabt played a key role in helping the Hoops into the Premier League, but he failed to find his best form in the top-flight and, after a temporary spell at a third capital club, Fulham, he joined Milan in January 2014 for the remainder of the season. To the surprise of many, the Morocco international impressed in Italy, scoring four goals in 16 appearances in all competitions.
He returned to QPR in the summer of 2015, but his contract was terminated by mutual consent which allowed him to join Benfica on a free transfer. However, he has yet to make a first team appearance for the Estadio de la Luz giants, and has instead turned out seven times for their B side. This has, inevitably, left him seeking a transfer since the transfer window reopened this month.
And according to O Jogo, Taarabt could be in line for a dream return to the Rossoneri. The 26-year-old remains well thought of at the San Siro due to his first spell at the club, and Sinisa Mihajlovic is said to be willing to take him on loan for the rest of the season. If the Serie A giants then decide to take him permanently, Benfica would demand a fee as he still has four-years left on his contract.
