Juventus are considering a move for Franck Kessie, who is currently a free agent after his contract with Al Ahly expires on June 30th, according to reports in Italy. The Ivorian midfielder recently participated in the World Cup with his national team, making his debut in the tournament.
Kessie previously enjoyed success in Serie A with AC Milan, winning the league title under Stefano Pioli. He has publicly stated his openness to a return to Italy, but also indicated he is considering offers from outside of Europe, including Saudi Arabia. “My return to Italy is possible? Certainly, certainly,” Kessie said from the World Cup. “I can play anywhere, the market is open. I can play in Italy, but also outside Italy. Maybe even in Arabia. Now I am only focused on the World Cup.”
The midfielder’s agent, George Atangana, is currently scheduled to travel to Milan to explore the various interests in his client. While Kessie is a profile appreciated by Juventus, a significant obstacle remains in negotiating his wage demands. Reports suggest he is seeking an annual salary in excess of €10 million, a figure that currently exceeds Juventus’s budgetary constraints.
Juventus previously showed interest in Kessie during the January transfer window, when then-CEO Fabio Comolli engaged in detailed discussions about bringing him to Turin. The club’s current sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, will now assess whether Kessie fits into the club’s new project. Kessie’s ability to operate as an advanced playmaker could be particularly appealing to manager Luciano Spalletti, but the financial aspect of the deal remains unresolved. At this stage, Kessie is viewed as an opportunity rather than a concrete target.
Securing Kessie on a free transfer would represent a significant coup for any club, given his experience and proven quality. However, Juventus must first determine if they can meet his wage expectations to progress with a potential deal.
