Reports emerging from Italy suggest that former AC Milan midfield lynchpin, Franck Kessie, currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, is exploring options for a potential return to Italian football. Kessie`s previous stints with Atalanta and Milan have clearly left a positive impression, making a Serie A comeback an appealing prospect for the Ivorian.
While initial whispers had linked Kessie with AS Roma, possibly fueled by his past connection with manager Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta, those talks appear to have remained somewhat speculative and never truly gained significant traction. As is often the case in the transfer window, one rumour fades as another materializes.
Juventus Enter the Fray
The latest development points towards Turin, with Juventus now reported to be closely monitoring Kessie`s situation. According to sources in the Italian sports media, the Bianconeri are evaluating the feasibility of making a proposal during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Kessie`s move to Al-Ahli from Barcelona occurred in August 2023. Crucially, his contract with the Saudi club is set to run until June 2026. This timing places him in a potentially more accessible position for European clubs this summer compared to the immediate aftermath of his transfer. A player with only two years remaining on a contract is often a considerably less expensive proposition than one recently signed on a longer term.
Adding another layer of complexity and potential intrigue to the situation is Juventus`s reported desire to offload certain players. The club is reportedly attempting to facilitate a move for forward Nico Gonzalez to the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Ahli specifically mentioned as a potential destination. One might observe, perhaps with a raised eyebrow, how neatly this aligns with their interest in Kessie. Could Juventus be contemplating a negotiation that involves using Gonzalez as leverage or part of an exchange deal for the powerful midfielder? This type of intricate player merry-go-round is certainly not unheard of in the transfer market, offering a potentially elegant solution for Juventus, assuming all parties find the arrangement agreeable.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Kessie`s future appears to be a developing story, with Juventus now emerging as a serious contender for his signature, potentially paving the way for his much-discussed return to Italy`s top flight.
