Roma are considering a move for free agent Franck Kessie as potential retribution for Juventus’s pursuit of their right-back, Rick Karsdorp, according to reports in Italy. The situation stems from a long history of contentious transfers between the two clubs, dating back to 1970.
Kessie recently terminated his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli after three seasons. He is well known to both Roma’s sporting director, Massara, with whom he won the Serie A title at Milan in 2022, and Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who previously managed the midfielder at Atalanta, where he developed into a player of international renown. Kessie is reportedly seeking a salary in the region of €5-6 million per year.
Juventus are also interested in Kessie, but Roma’s pursuit is contingent on the potential sale of midfielder Manu Koné, who is attracting interest from Premier League clubs. Should Koné depart, Kessie would represent a cost-effective solution for Roma, arriving on a free transfer and already familiar with Gasperini’s tactical system. This would allow for a swift integration into the team.
The historical animosity between Roma and Juventus has seen numerous high-profile players move between the clubs under difficult circumstances. Past incidents include Zbigniew Boniek choosing Juventus over Roma in 1982, Paulo Sousa also joining Juventus despite Roma’s interest, and more recently, Miralem Pjanic and Adem Ljajic transferring to Juventus. Roma president Franco Sensi famously claimed to have “tricked” Juventus in securing Antonio Cassano in 2001, though Fabio Capello’s subsequent departure to Juventus in 2004, taking Emerson and Zebina with him, stung the club. The potential signing of Kessie could be viewed as a symbolic reversal of fortunes for Roma, given their fraught history with the Turin side.
The acquisition of Kessie would bolster Roma’s midfield options and provide Gasperini with a player he knows well, potentially strengthening their Serie A campaign.
