Ivory Coast midfielder, Franck Kessie (26), has joined the Saudi Premier League club Al Ahli, departing from Barcelona. The transfer holds a value of 12.5 million euros, a significant reduction from his estimated worth of 25 million euros, as reported by Transfermarkt, suggesting the Saudis acquired him at ‘half price’.
Despite his enduring aspiration to play for the Blaugrana, Kessie’s intentions of staying with Barcelona this summer were thwarted by the realization that his playing time under Xavi would be limited. Kessie’s journey to Barcelona began last summer as a free agent from Milan, amassing 1797 minutes on the field. His five-year tenure with Milan, donning their red and black colors, preceded his stint at Barcelona, where he featured in 43 matches, contributing 3 goals and 3 assists. With Ilkay Gündogan’s arrival heralding reduced playing time, Kessie, after consulting Coach Xavi, opted to depart the club due to dissatisfaction with his status.
Kessie marks the fifth player from a European club to join Al Ahli this summer, following Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy, and Alain Saint-Maximin. Although he’s securing a lucrative financial deal with his move, Kessie departs Barcelona with a sense of bitterness, as reported by Sergi Capdevila of SPORT. The 26-year-old had previously turned down interest from multiple clubs to sign with Barca on a free transfer last year, now feeling that the club merely brought him in for profit-driven motives.
The transition to Al Ahli is nearly complete, confirmed through an official announcement on Barcelona’s social media platforms. Juventus had also shown interest in securing Kessie’s services. Kessie’s debut with his new club in the Saudi Pro League is scheduled for August 11th at 8 pm against the Al-Hazem team.