Ivorian ace Franck Kessie will finally say goodbye to Milan after leading the midfield line for five straight years, registering 224 caps for the Rossoneri.
MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 16: Franck Kessie of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their team's second goal from the penalty spot during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 16, 2021 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Busquets Welcomes Kessié to Barcelona, Milan Pursuing Heir

While Barcelona have not officially announced the signing of Franck Kessié, it is no secret that he will join on a Bosman move. The midfielder reportedly already penned his new contract last week. President Joan Laporta hinted at it: “We have sealed the deal for two players. They might be a center-back and a midfielder.”

Instead, Sergio Busquets openly welcomed Kessié to Barcelona in an interview with RAC1: “He is strong, he does not give away the ball much and knows how to move it. I am sure he will be a helpful reinforcement. He will have to adapt to Xavi’s style. However, the coach directly okayed the addition. I am happy that the club is returning to its old glory and that players want to join here.”

Milan have long been preparing for the departure of their star. According to Corriere della Sera (via Tuttomercatoweb), the Rossoneri offered Kessié €1.5M per year less than Barcelona. Moreover, the Blaugrana will pay €10M commissions.

Renato Sanches remains the most likely candidate to replace him, Calciomercato.com informs. Milan have a tight relationship with Lille, and they are hopeful of putting together a packaged deal with Sven Botman. The main hurdle will be reaching an agreement with Jorge Mendes. The agent demands high wages and is shopping his client around to find the highest bidder. Juventus inquired about the Portuguese midfielder too but did not further the talks at this stage. The 24-year-old is expected to transfer for a €30M fee in the summer.