Juventus are already revving up their plans for the summer transfer window, with a major reinforcement in midfield firmly on their agenda.
According to Tuttosport, Franck Kessié is feeling a strong pull back toward Serie A and is seriously considering leaving Al Ahli despite the Saudi club’s efforts to secure him with a lucrative contract extension.
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The Ivorian midfielder, born in 1996, appears eager to return to a top European side where he can once again compete at the highest level.
Juventus Leading the Race for Kessié
Juventus have been monitoring Kessié’s situation for several months. In fact, a meeting reportedly took place in Turin at the end of January between the club’s management and George Atangana, the player’s agent, to explore the feasibility of a deal.
While Kessié’s current salary—around €14 million per year—remains far beyond Juventus’ financial reach, the Italian giants are preparing a more structured offer: a two-year deal worth approximately €5 million per season, supplemented by performance-related bonuses.
This proposal could prove tempting for the former AC Milan star, especially given his familiarity with Italian football and the opportunity to play a central role in a competitive squad.
His physical presence, tactical discipline, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively make him an ideal fit for Juventus’ evolving midfield.
Competition and Key Factors
Despite Juventus appearing to be in pole position, the race for Kessié is far from uncontested. Roma are closely watching developments, particularly given their coach’s past connection with the player during his breakout years in Bergamo.
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Meanwhile, Inter have also made preliminary contact with Kessié’s representatives, keeping tabs on the situation as they assess potential changes within their own midfield.
A decisive factor in this transfer saga will be Juventus’ qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Securing a top-four finish is not only crucial for the club’s prestige but also essential for unlocking the financial resources needed to finalize high-profile signings like Kessié.
As things stand, a return to Italy is becoming an increasingly realistic scenario for the midfielder. Turin, in particular, is emerging as his preferred destination, setting the stage for what could be one of the most intriguing moves of the upcoming transfer window.