Recent press reports have sparked widespread debate in Saudi and Italian sporting circles after reliable Italian journalist Matteo Moretti dropped a bombshell regarding the future of Ivorian star Franck Kessié, the midfielder for Saudi club Al-Ahli. The reports indicate that the player prioritizes a return to European football as the summer transfer window approaches, opening the door to numerous speculations about the fate of one of Al-Ahli's key players.
Nostalgia for the Old Continent
According to Moretto, Kessie, despite his current stability in the Roshen Pro League, hasn't completely ruled out staying, but his desire clearly leans towards a new challenge in Europe. This ambition stems from the player's desire to rediscover his form in elite leagues, building on his impressive history in Italian and Spanish football, where he seeks to prove he can still compete at the highest international level.
Historical background: Kessie and his experience in Serie A
To understand the significance of this news, one must consider Franck Kessié's impressive career before his move to Saudi Arabia. The Ivorian star was instrumental in AC Milan's long-awaited Serie A title win (Codetto), and he also had a stint with FC Barcelona. This extensive experience makes him a rare commodity in the transfer market, as he possesses a deep understanding of European, and especially Italian, football tactics, making him a prime target for top clubs seeking immediate quality.
Juventus and the rebuilding project
In this context, Juventus emerged as the most prominent club interested in Kessie's services. The "Old Lady's" management sees Kessie as the missing piece in their midfield, especially as the Turin club seeks to rebuild a strong team capable of regaining domestic dominance and competing in Europe. Kessie possesses physical and technical attributes that the current Bianconeri squad lacks, most notably the ability to link up the lines, provide attacking numerical superiority, and demonstrate defensive solidity – qualities he honed during his years in Serie A.
Potential impact on Al-Ahli and the Saudi League project
On the domestic front, Kessie's potential departure would be a significant blow to Al Ahly. Since joining, Kessie has been more than just a midfielder; he has been a true leader on the field and the team's playmaker. His departure could disrupt the tactical balance the coach is trying to maintain, especially since the team relies on him heavily in major matches and crucial encounters.
Moreover, the return of a player of Kessie’s caliber to Europe at the peak of his career may spark discussions about the ability of Saudi clubs to retain their stars recruited from Europe for long periods, a challenge facing the project of attracting global elite players.
Numbers don't lie
The statistics confirm the immense technical value that Kessie brings to Al Ahly, as the numbers show his effective contribution not only in intercepting passes, but also in creating and scoring goals, making him a top-class, complete (box-to-box) midfielder. His statistics are as follows:
- Number of matches: 98 matches
- Number of minutes: 8381 minutes
- Total goal contributions: 32
- Goals scored: 21 goals
- Assists: 11
The question remains: Will Al-Ahly's management succeed in convincing Kessie to stay and change his course, or will the call of "The Old Lady" be stronger in the upcoming summer transfer window?
