After having reservations about it, Franck Kessié will indeed leave Barcelona after just one season but not to join Juventus, which courted him in recent weeks, but rather to transfer to Al-Ahli, moving to Saudi Arabia as a few other high-profile players have done this summer.
According to Relevo, the former Milan stalwart accepted a three-year contract and will make €20M annually. He’ll team up with Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Allan Sait-Maximin.
Xavi made it clear with his latest remarks that Kessié wouldn’t have a major role in the upcoming campaign, which facilitated his move to Al-Ahli, while Juventus couldn’t act on their interest since they are struggling to offload their outcasts. Barcelona will cash in €12M and turn a small profit since they signed him on a Bosman move.
Per Gianluca Di Marzio, the Bianconeri reignited their interest in Arsenal’s Thomas Partey following the news about the Ivorian international. Moreover, they are considering keeping Weston McKennie since the offers have been lacking.
🚨 Franck Kessié to Al Ahli, here we go! Verbal agreement finally reached with Barcelona for fee around €15m 🟢🇸🇦
Al Ahli and Barça remain in contact to check the documents then sign the deal in the next hours.
Kessié will put paper on three year deal, valid until June 2026. pic.twitter.com/xEb5lq0Jhi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 4, 2023
Our Take on Kessié, Al-Ahli, and Juventus
The Saudi salaries are no match for Serie A sides, but the fee was more than affordable, so he would have been a bargain. On the other hand, he never seemed too keen to return to the Peninsula. The odds of the Old Lady not doing anything of note in the midfield are rapidly increasing.
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