Al-Ahli Star Kessié Setting Up His Serie A Return

Franck Kessié is ready to leave Saudi sojourn and return to Europe, specifically to Italy, where he has spent a significant portion of his career. Juventus have had frequent contact with his camp, but the race is wide open, Matteo Moretto reports (via Tribuna).

The midfielder has decided to depart Al-Ahli at the end of his contract in June 2026. His entourage has reached out to several sides, including all the top Serie A ones, to inform them that he’s available. He has suitors in other countries as well.

Kessié was making €14M net in Saudi Arabia, but he’ll have to settle for much more manageable wages next. He has set the bar at about €5M annually. The 29-year-old grew up in Atalanta’s academy and burst onto the scene with Cesena before a successful three-year spell at Milan. He left the Rossoneri on a free in 2022, signing with Barcelona, before transferring to the Middle East for €12.5M in 2023. The powerhouse has over 200 Serie A appearances under his belt and has won the Scudetto and La Liga once. He has appeared 98 times with Cote d’Ivoire, contributing to the 2024 AFCON triumph.

Our Take on Kessié

He’s a little long in the tooth, but there are worse ideas than bringing him in as a rotational piece, even though his rate would be high for such a role. Juventus have very little behind their starters and need all the help they can get, especially in cost-effective deals. A reunion with Milan is probably unlikely, although they could use another man with Youssouf Fofana’s traits. Inter, Napoli, and Roma all have a few balls in the air in the midfield. The Nerazzurri would be the frontrunners if it came down solely to money and prestige.