Kessie Offers Himself to Juventus
Franck Kessie, the powerful Ivorian midfielder who left a lasting impression during his time at AC Milan, has reportedly offered his services to Juventus as the Bianconeri look to strengthen their midfield under Thiago Motta. The 29-year-old has spent the last three seasons in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, but speculation is growing that he is eager for a return to European football.
A Profile That Fits Spalletti Vision
Kessie was originally a target for Luciano Spalletti during his time at Napoli, with the Italian coach famously praising the midfielder as a player of immense quality and character. Spalletti is said to value experienced leaders in the middle of the park, and Kessie fits that description perfectly. The former Atalanta man is known for his physical presence, box-to-box energy, and ability to score crucial goals from midfield.
During his Milan spell, Kessie scored 37 goals in 223 appearances and was instrumental in the Rossoneri Scudetto triumph in 2021-22. His penalty-taking reliability and defensive work rate made him one of Serie A most complete midfielders before he made the lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League in 2023.
Questions Over Fitness and Adaptation
The major question mark surrounding Kessie concerns his current fitness levels. The Saudi Pro League operates at a significantly different tempo compared to Serie A, and there are understandable doubts about whether the Ivorian can immediately adapt to the intensity of Italian football after three years in a less demanding environment. Kessie has remained a regular for the Ivory Coast national team, which provides some reassurance that his competitive sharpness has not completely diminished.
Juventus find themselves in a transitional phase, having missed out on Champions League qualification. The club is looking for experienced reinforcements who can provide immediate stability rather than long-term projects. A player of Kessie experience, who knows Serie A intimately, represents a low-risk option.
What It Means for Juventus Midfield
The Bianconeri midfield currently lacks the kind of physical presence Kessie offers. His ability to shield the backline while also contributing going forward would complement the more technical players in Motta squad. A potential Kessie arrival could also allow the club to offload surplus midfielders and reshape the department with a more balanced profile.
Financial considerations will play a role. Kessie current Al-Ahli salary is substantial, and Juventus would likely need him to accept a significant reduction to fit within their wage structure. A loan move with an option to buy could be the most realistic structure for both parties.
For Kessie, the motivation is clear. At 29, this is likely his last opportunity to prove himself at the highest level of European football and potentially secure a place in the Ivory Coast squad for future tournaments. A return to Serie A with a club of Juventus stature would be the perfect platform to remind everyone of his quality.
Whether the move materialises depends on the negotiations, but the interest is genuine on both sides. Juventus fans may soon see a familiar face back in Italian football.
