Juventus are again considering a move for Franck Kessie, currently a free agent after his departure from Al Ahli, according to reports in Italy. The club has been tracking the Ivorian midfielder for over a year, with initial interest surfacing as early as January 2023 when manager Luciano Spalletti requested data on his physical condition.
Previous attempts to sign Kessie were hampered by two key obstacles. Al Ahli were keen to renew his contract, offering a substantial financial package, and Kessie himself was seeking a salary befitting a top player, comparable to what he received in Saudi Arabia. Juventus responded with a deferral of discussions, deeming the demands unrealistic at the time.
However, the situation has changed with Kessie now declining a two-year contract extension from Al Ahli, worth a total of 24 million, and actively seeking a return to Serie A, where he previously excelled with Atalanta and AC Milan. Juventus remains a preferred destination for the player, who is believed to be enthusiastic about the project and the prospect of working under Spalletti, who has consistently praised him since their time together at Atalanta.
Negotiations are expected to center around a two-year contract with a net salary of 5 million euros per season, a significant investment for the current Juventus budget. Juventus’s sporting director, Damien Comolli, is a strong advocate for the transfer, citing Kessie’s impressive physical and technical statistics, particularly his passing range and ability to penetrate the opposition’s defense. While Kessie is seen as a valuable addition, Juventus’s ability to finalize the deal may depend on outgoings in midfield, as the club is limited in the number of additions they can make in that position. Lobotka of Napoli has been mentioned as an alternative, but Kessie’s availability as a free agent makes him an attractive option.
