News of 's potential departure from Al-Ahli dominated the Saudi Arabian sports scene in recent hours. The Ivorian star, a midfielder for the club's first football team, surprised the Al-Ahli management by setting an urgent and decisive condition for determining his future. This sudden development has sparked concern among Al-Ahli fans, who consider the player one of the team's most important pillars, especially given the significant challenges awaiting the club in the upcoming season.
Details of the financial demands behind Kessie's departure from Al Ahly
In a significant development, international media reports have revealed the conditions set by the player for his departure. Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, via the platform of the reliable transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, confirmed that the Ivorian star is demanding a €5 million annual salary to agree to leave Al Ahly during the upcoming summer transfer window. These demands come at a time when negotiations are underway behind the scenes with other clubs eager to benefit from his services and extensive experience in midfield.
The Saudi League project and the transfer of the Ivorian star
To understand the dimensions of this crisis, one must consider the broader context of the player's move to Saudi Arabia. Franck Kessié joined Al-Ahli in the summer of 2013 from FC Barcelona in a major transfer that formed part of Saudi Arabia's ambitious sports project. This project aimed to attract top international football stars to elevate the Saudi Professional League (SPL) to one of the strongest leagues globally. Since his arrival, Kessié has demonstrated his exceptional quality and ability to control the tempo of the game, making him a prominent figure not only domestically but also a focus of attention for regional and international observers of the development of Saudi football.
The technical management's stance and the player's importance in Al-Ahli's lineup
On the other hand, Al Ahly's management is refusing to let go of their star player easily. Reliable sources within the club have confirmed that club officials are determined to renew Franck Kessié's contract and ensure his continued presence with the team. This determination stems from the German coach Matthias Jäsle's firm belief in the player's importance, considering him an indispensable cornerstone of his tactical plans. Kessié's absence could create a significant gap in midfield, something the management is striving to avoid at all costs to guarantee the team's stability.
The repercussions of the Ivorian star's departure from the sports scene
The anticipated impact of Kessie's departure extends beyond simply losing a key player; it will affect Al-Ahli's chances of competing for domestic and continental titles. Domestically, Al-Ahli needs its full complement of stars to compete with strong clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. The urgent need for reinforcement and stability became evident after Al-Ahli suffered a bitter defeat in their recent match against Al-Hilal in the King's Cup semi-final, where they were eliminated on penalties. Regionally, Al-Ahli aims to strongly represent Saudi Arabia in the AFC Champions League, and the departure of a player of Kessie's caliber could weaken the team's chances. Internationally, his departure may spark speculation about his next destination in Europe or elsewhere, reflecting the dynamism and activity of the transfer market associated with the Saudi league.
