Franck Kessié is attracting fresh transfer interest ahead of the summer window, with AEK Athens reportedly entering the race to sign the midfielder from Al Ahli.
The Ivory Coast international has continued to enhance his reputation during his time in Saudi Arabia and remains one of the most recognisable African midfielders on the market.
Contract Situation Fuels Exit Speculation
Kessié is approaching the final months of his contract in Jeddah, increasing speculation surrounding his future.
Unless an agreement over a renewal is reached, the 29-year-old is expected to leave Al Ahli at the end of the current campaign, with a return to European football viewed as a realistic possibility.
His recent success in helping Al Ahli secure another Asian title has only strengthened interest in his services.
AEK Ready to Make Ambitious Move
Reports suggest AEK Athens are seriously considering a formal proposal as they look to reinforce their midfield ahead of next season.
The Greek side reportedly see Kessié as a marquee signing capable of bringing experience, leadership and physical presence to the squad.
Securing the former AC Milan and Barcelona midfielder would represent a major statement of intent from the Athens-based club.
Juventus Also Monitoring Situation
AEK are unlikely to have a clear path to the player, however, with Juventus also reported to be closely monitoring developments.
The Serie A giants are believed to be assessing the financial feasibility of a deal as they continue evaluating midfield options for next season.
Competition from clubs in Europe and potentially elsewhere could complicate negotiations in the coming months.
Salary Could Be Major Obstacle
One of the key issues surrounding any transfer remains Kessié’s salary demands.
The midfielder is reportedly earning close to €14 million annually in Saudi Arabia, a figure that could prove difficult for many European clubs to match.
Any move back to Europe may therefore require compromises from both the player and interested clubs.
Despite that challenge, Kessié’s experience at elite level and continued performances for both club and country ensure he remains an attractive option on the market.
Summer Decision Approaching
With the transfer window approaching, Kessié’s future is expected to attract increasing attention across Europe.
His combination of experience, physicality and pedigree continues to make him a valuable target for clubs seeking midfield reinforcement.
Whether he opts for a return to European football or chooses to remain in Saudi Arabia could become one of the notable transfer stories of the summe
