In a remarkable development for the transfer market and the future of professionals in the Saudi Professional League, renowned Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, who specializes in transfer news, revealed serious moves by Italian club Juventus to sign Ivorian star Franck Kessie, the midfielder of Saudi club Al-Ahli.
Di Marzio stated via his official social media accounts that Juventus management had not only shown interest remotely, but had actually held a meeting with the Ivorian player's agent. The meeting's main objective was to explore the possibility of Kessie's return to Serie A in the near future, and to discuss the financial and contractual terms surrounding this potential transfer.
Details of the preliminary agreement between Juventus and Kessie
According to reports, the meeting did not result in any immediate contracts being signed, but it concluded with a verbal agreement between the two parties to keep communication channels open. The upcoming summer transfer window has been tentatively set as the date for more detailed and in-depth negotiations, indicating that Juventus considers Kessie a priority target to strengthen their midfield for next season.
Kessie's journey with Al Ahly and his statistics this season
Franck Kessié joined Al-Ahli in the summer of 2023/2024 from FC Barcelona, a transfer that was the talk of the town in the sports world at the time. Since arriving in Jeddah, the player has proven his high technical ability, with the 29-year-old participating in 21 matches for the club this season. Kessié hasn't limited himself to defensive duties, but has also shown a clear attacking flair, scoring 7 goals and providing 2 assists, making him a key player in the team's lineup.
Historical background: Kessie is an expert on Italian stadiums
Juventus' interest in Franck Kessié is no coincidence. The player possesses extensive experience in Serie A, having previously shone in the Atalanta jersey before his move to AC Milan. With the Rossoneri, Kessié enjoyed the best period of his career and was a crucial element in Milan's long-awaited Scudetto title win, earning him the nickname "The President" among the fans. This deep understanding of Italian football makes him an ideal choice for Juventus, as he would need no time to adapt to the demanding Italian style of play.
The expected impact of the deal both locally and in Europe
If this deal goes through, it will have far-reaching consequences on several levels. Domestically in Saudi Arabia, the departure of a player of Kessie's caliber could pose a challenge for Al-Ahli, who are striving to maintain the stability of their core squad to compete for titles. On the European stage, Kessie's return to Italy via Juventus – the arch-rivals of his former club AC Milan – would undoubtedly generate the usual excitement and fan debate in Italy. Furthermore, his arrival at Juventus would bolster the physical strength of the Old Lady's midfield, something the team has lacked in some crucial matches.
