Kessie close to swapping Barca for Al-Ahli

Barcelona are close to sealing a deal to sell Franck Kessie to Saudi Pro-League side, Al-Ahli. The Spanish club have been looking to sell the midfielder this summer, just a year after he arrived from AC Milan on free transfer.

Although there had been interest from Serie A clubs, 'The Athletic' reports that the player was not keen on a move back to Italy, where he played eight seasons of his career.

Talks had begun earlier this summer, but had broken down and following the end of Barca's pre-season tour, where Kessie missed out on the last two matches, talks re-ignited and the deal is close to being finalised.

The same source writes that the fee for the Ivory Coast international is €15 million, and journalist Fabrizio Romano reports a three-year contract has been agreed. 

Kessie, already unhappy with the game time he got last season, would have likely been told that the arrival of Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City would further reduce his time on the pitch, thus making all parties happy with the move.

He will join Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy, and Allan Saint-Maximin at Al-Ahli, all of whom have left Premier League teams to join the Saudi side this summer.

 

August 4, 2023