Juventus are reportedly interested in signing Franck Kessie from Al-Ahli, with manager Luciano Spalletti identifying the midfielder as a key target ahead of the new season. The possibility of Kessie returning to Italy has been discussed, though the player is currently focused on representing the Ivory Coast at the World Cup.
Kessie spent three seasons with AC Milan before moving to Barcelona in 2021, and then to Al-Ahli in 2023. He has demonstrated his ability to impact Serie A, making him an attractive option for several Italian clubs. Spalletti has specifically requested midfield reinforcements, and Kessie’s dynamism and ability to make late runs into the box are qualities the Juventus manager values.
Currently, Kessie’s contract with Al-Ahli is set to expire on June 30th, making him a free agent. This eliminates any transfer fee for Juventus, however, negotiating a suitable wage agreement presents a challenge. Kessie currently earns €14 million per season in Saudi Arabia, a figure significantly higher than Juventus are likely to offer. The player is understood to be willing to lower his demands to facilitate a return to Italy.
According to reports from Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the odds of Kessie joining Juventus have recently dropped to 4.00 on betting sites Sisal, Snai, and Goldbet. While a deal is not yet certain, the club’s new sporting director, Carnevali, has been tasked with strengthening the midfield, and Kessie fits the profile. The previous sporting director, Comolli, had initiated discussions with Kessie’s representatives in January, and those conversations may be revisited.
