The Ivorian footballers contract with AC Milan expires at the end of the season and there is no renewal on the horizon.
Follow Us
According to reputed Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Franck Kessie has taken a step closer to joining FC Barcelona in the summer transfer window. The AC Milan midfielder has agreed to sign a EUR 6 million-a-year deal with the La Liga side. The Ivorian footballers contract with the Serie A giants expires at the end of the season and there is no renewal on the horizon. He has been an important player for Milan since his arrival from Atlanta but despite months of negotiations, common ground wasn’t found.
Kessie established himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A since coming to San Siro in 2017. Over the last four and a half years, his stature has grown consistently and he has been a pivotal part of Stefano Pioli’s side.
? @RudyGaletti: Franck #Kessié has accepted the offer of #FCBarcelona 6M€ + bonus per season, the club is discussing with the agent for the commission. pic.twitter.com/KjwGnALypk
— Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) March 10, 2022
The 25-year-old has made 212 appearances for the Lombardy club, found the back of the net 36 times and registered 16 assists so far. The Ivorian is a physically strong and tall midfielder who is pretty good with the ball at his feet. He has a good range of passing and reads the game very well.
Kessie initially joined Milan on loan from Atalanta before making the move permanent for EUR 25 million in 2019. With Sergio Busquets not getting any younger at 33, Barca boss Xavi is looking for reinforcement in the defensive midfielders position.
Kessie looks like the perfect option who could very well fit into Xavi’s plans as he has great ball-winning and ball-carrying abilities. Signing a proven talent like him in a Bosman deal would be a coup for any club.
His impending status as a free agent makes him an attractive option amid their prolonged financial issues. And after talks quickly reached an advanced stage, the Catalan giants seem to be edging close to land their man in the summer.
Barcelona are currently going through a transition phase amidst all their financial problems. But the five-time European champions have been in impressive form under new boss Xavi after a disastrous start to the season.
The Catalan club is currently placed fourth in the La Liga standings with 48 points from 26 games, three points adrift of third-placed Atletico Madrid who have played two games more. Xavi’s side will next face Osasuna on Sunday before traveling to Istanbul to take on Galatasaray in the Europa League last-16 second leg tie.
