Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié is reportedly on the verge of concluding his tenure in Saudi Arabia to make a return to European football, particularly Italy, a country where he established a strong presence throughout his career. While Juventus has maintained regular communication with his representatives, the competition for his signature remains fierce, as per reports from Matteo Moretto.
Kessié has made a firm decision to part ways with Al-Ahli upon the expiration of his current contract in June 2026. His management team has proactively contacted numerous clubs, including all major Serie A contenders, to signal his availability. Interest in the defensive midfielder also extends to teams in other European leagues.
During his time in Saudi Arabia, Kessié commanded an impressive net salary of €14 million. However, he is expected to accept significantly reduced terms for his next move, reportedly targeting around €5 million per year. The 29-year-old’s football journey began in Atalanta’s youth setup, followed by a breakthrough period at Cesena before a highly successful three-year stint with AC Milan. After leaving the Rossoneri as a free agent in 2022 to join Barcelona, he subsequently moved to the Middle East for €12.5 million in 2023. This experienced midfielder boasts more than 200 Serie A appearances, a Scudetto title, and a La Liga championship. He has also represented Côte d’Ivoire 98 times, playing a key role in their Africa Cup of Nations victory in 2024.
Our Analysis on Kessié’s Potential Return
While Kessié is approaching the latter stages of his prime, acquiring him as a squad rotation option isn’t an entirely bad proposition, despite his anticipated salary potentially being high for a non-starter. Juventus, in particular, suffers from a lack of depth behind their primary midfielders and could benefit immensely from additional reinforcements, especially through financially sensible transfers. A return to AC Milan appears improbable, even though the Rossoneri could utilize a player with characteristics similar to Youssouf Fofana. Meanwhile, Inter, Napoli, and Roma are all navigating various midfield recruitment scenarios. Should financial incentives and club stature be the sole deciding factors, Inter would likely emerge as the leading contender for Kessié’s services.
