Report: Barcelona have signed midfielder Franck Kessie from AC Milan

According to a report by Gianluca Di Marzio, Barcelona have signed midfielder Franck Kessie from AC Milan for a four-year deal. The midfielder took his medicals in Lugano, Switzerland, in the last few days, and has agreed to a EUR 7 million annual salary. 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.

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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. 

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.

Barcelona are currently going through an impressive run of form under Xavi. The Blaugrana thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 in the El Clasico on Sunday. It was their fifth consecutive league win and they are now placed third in the standings with 54 points from 28 games, level on points with fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, but with a game in hand.