The corridors of Al-Ahli Saudi FC are abuzz with activity surrounding the future of their Ivorian midfielder, Franck Kessié , as negotiations to renew his contract have entered a crucial phase. In the past few hours, the club's management submitted a substantial official offer to the player, aiming to secure his continued presence and fend off interest from European clubs. This underscores the strategic importance Kessié holds for the team's project, nicknamed "Al-Raqui" (The Royal).
According to reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Kessie now stands at a true crossroads in his career. The first option is to accept Al-Ahli's lucrative offer and extend his stay in the Saudi Professional League, which he joined in the summer of 2023 from Barcelona. The second option is to reject the offer and wait until the summer to return to Europe, where he is attracting significant interest from prestigious clubs, most notably Juventus, who see him as a valuable opportunity to strengthen their midfield with a player possessing extensive experience in Serie A.
Background of the transfer and its importance to the Saudi League
Franck Kessié's move to Al-Ahli is part of the ambitious project of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which aims to elevate the level and value of the domestic league to become one of the best in the world. Kessié arrived in Jeddah after a distinguished career in Europe, where he shone brightly with AC Milan and played a pivotal role in their Serie A title win (Scudetto) in the 2021-2022 season, before moving to Barcelona and winning La Liga with them. This impressive track record made his transfer to Al-Ahli a high-profile signing that strengthened both the team and the league as a whole.
A key pillar in coach Yasle's plans
Al-Ahli's strong desire to renew Kessie's contract stems from a direct recommendation by German coach Matthias Jäsle, who considers the Ivorian player a cornerstone of his tactical plans. Kessie excels in his ability to perform dual roles in midfield, possessing the physical strength necessary to win back possession and provide defensive support, in addition to his ability to launch attacks, contribute to playmaking, and score goals. This versatility makes him an indispensable player in the starting lineup, which competes fiercely in the Saudi Professional League and the King's Cup.
The expected impact of his decision
Kessie's final decision will have a significant impact far beyond the walls of Al-Ahli. If he chooses to stay, it will send a powerful message about the Saudi league's ability to retain its top stars, not just attract them, thus bolstering the project's long-term credibility. However, if he decides to return to Europe, it will demonstrate that the allure of competing in the top five European leagues and the Champions League remains the greatest draw for players at the peak of their careers. In either case, Franck Kessie's future remains one of the most talked-about stories in football today.
