Juventus Transfer Market: Talks with Franck Kessie Pick Up Speed—Just One Hurdle Left to Clear
Juventus is also working to strengthen its midfield, and Franck Kessie remains among the players they are monitoring. The Ivorian midfielder remains a favored option for the Bianconeri management, although any potential deal is closely tied to financial considerations.
Juventus’s interest in Kessie has deep roots in a long and complex process. As early as the beginning of June, when the midfielder had officially announced his intention not to renew his contract with Al-Ahli, Juventus was the first to make a move, viewing him as the ideal player to bring physicality, attacking runs, and leadership to the midfield of the new squad led by Luciano Spalletti. His excellent World Cup performance with the Ivory Coast also helped keep his stock high, with standout displays that included the opening goal scored against Germany in the group stage, before the Mannschaft staged a comeback and won 2-1 in the dying moments.
Kessie himself, when asked about Juventus’ interest during the tournament, made no secret of his willingness to return to Serie A: “There’s talk about Juventus; I’ve read about it too. I can say one thing: I’d be an excellent signing. I’m in good shape and, above all, a free agent. It’s hard to ask for more.”
To reach an agreement, the player and his representatives will need to lower their salary demands. Only then could Juventus present a new offer, putting a three-year contract on the table with a salary of around 4.5 million euros per season.
The financial hurdle is real and well-defined. Kessie is reported to have asked for a salary of about 5 million euros net per season, in addition to signing bonuses and commissions: figures that Juventus—struggling with a reduced budget following total investments of about 85 million euros for Kolo Muani and Alajbegovic—cannot afford to meet without first making some player sales. It should also be noted that other clubs are keeping a close eye on the player, and Juventus cannot afford to drag out the deal too long if it does not want to risk missing out on the opportunity.
The relationship between Kessie and Ricky Massara could also play an important role. The executive knows the midfielder well from their time together at Milan and could leverage this connection to try to break the deadlock in negotiations that, at least for now, remain contingent on the player lowering his salary demands.
It’s worth noting that Juventus isn’t the only option explored this summer to strengthen the midfield. The front office had also evaluated Leon Goretzka, who is also a free agent, before setting that option aside: the German player’s representatives had requested a signing bonus of approximately 10 million euros and a net salary of 7 million per season—figures Juventus deemed excessive, especially given the player’s age. Kessie, therefore, remains the top target for the midfield.
