Juventus Transfer Market: Kessié Will Be the Final Signing; They’ve Chosen Who Will Make Room for Him

Juventus is preparing to make a move for Franck Kessié, who has been identified as the ideal reinforcement for Luciano Spalletti’s midfield. The Ivorian midfielder, currently a free agent, has turned down a new offer from Al-Ahli because his priority is to return to Italy to play for Juventus.

The former Milan and Atalanta player reportedly turned down a €10 million-a-year contract from the Saudi club, where he has played for the past three years, because he is waiting for a sign from Juventus: at 29, he wants to make his mark again in top-tier soccer.

The player must lower his salary demands, currently set at 6 million euros: Juventus, on the other hand, is offering him a lower fixed salary, with substantial bonuses tied to both personal and team performance. Spalletti considers him an important addition to the team due to his international experience and charisma, as well as his winning mentality, as demonstrated with Milan, Barcelona, and the Ivory Coast. Another ace up Juventus’s sleeve is Frederic Massara, who has close ties with the player’s agents, forged during his time at Milan.

Teun Koopmeiners, now out of Juventus’s plans, will most likely make way for him on the Bianconeri roster. The Dutch midfielder, a major transfer disappointment after being acquired from Atalanta for over 55 million, was often deployed in defense out of necessity by Spalletti during this preseason, but his performance remained lackluster. The player is now valued at just over 30 million, and a suitor is being sought; Juventus is also open to a loan deal with an option to buy.

Negotiations for Kessié have been ongoing for several months: 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. His excellent World Cup performance with the Ivory Coast also helped keep his market value high, with standout performances 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. Kessié himself, when asked about Juventus’ interest during the tournament, made no secret of his willingness to join: “There’s talk about Juventus; I’ve read about it too. I can say one thing: I’d be a great signing. I’m in good form and, above all, a free agent. It’s hard to ask for more.”