Juventus move for Ivory Coast’s Kessie as contract uncertainty grows

The future of Franck Kessie at Saudi club Al-Ahli remains uncertain, with reports suggesting the midfielder could leave before 2026 after failing to secure a contract extension.

The 27-year-old has not yet agreed fresh terms with his current club, raising the possibility of an early departure as interest grows from European sides. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, a return to Italy’s top division is now being seriously explored.

Kessie, who previously played in Serie A for AC Milan and Atalanta, is understood to be open to rejoining a league where he established himself as a powerful midfield presence. His familiarity with Italian football is seen as a significant advantage for any potential suitors.

Among the clubs showing concrete interest is Juventus, who have reportedly already made an approach. The Turin-based side are said to have offered Kessie a three-year contract, with an annual salary of around €5 million. However, the proposal is conditional on the player becoming available on a free transfer next summer.

Juventus are keen to reinforce their midfield options and view Kessie as a player capable of adding both experience and physical strength to their squad. The club’s recruitment strategy appears to focus on securing players who can make an immediate impact, particularly in a demanding domestic and European schedule.

Despite the apparent progress, negotiations are not without complications. The main obstacle remains Kessie’s current salary expectations, which are reported to be close to €14 million annually. This disparity between his demands and Juventus’ offer represents a significant hurdle in reaching an agreement.

However, there are indications that the midfielder may be prepared to compromise in order to facilitate a return to top-level European competition. Reports suggest Kessie is willing to lower his salary expectations if it allows him to secure a prominent role at a competitive club.

 

Elsewhere, AS Roma are also said to be monitoring developments. While they have not yet made a decisive move and are not considered the frontrunners, their interest highlights the level of attention surrounding Kessie’s situation.

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Andrews Sefa Bamfo
Andrews Sefa Bamfo is a promising young football writer and reporter, recognised as one of the rising talents in African football journalism. He specialises in match reporting, features and on-ground coverage, bringing fresh perspective and energy to the industry.He is educated at the University of Ghana and has gained valuable experience working with one of Ghana’s leading media organisations, TV3, where he developed his skills in both television reporting and football journalism.Andrews’ talent and potential were further recognised when he was selected for the prestigious CAF Young Reporters Programme, where he received advanced media training in partnership with CANAL+. This exposure has helped shape his understanding of modern sports journalism and storytelling.Since then, he has continued to grow in the field and is widely regarded as one of the emerging voices in African football media. He is currently a Staff Writer at African.Football, contributing to the platform’s coverage with insightful reports and engaging content for a global audience.

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