Franck Kessie has issued a direct invitation to Juventus, declaring he would be a “great signing” for the Serie A giants as he prepares to become a free agent at the end of the month.
The Ivory Coast midfielder, currently on World Cup duty in North America, is out of contract with Al Ahli on June 30 and has been strongly linked with a return to Italian football. Juventus and Atalanta are among the clubs understood to have registered their interest.
“I did see the talk about Juventus,” Kessie told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I am focused only on the World Cup, but I will just say one thing: I would be a great signing. I’m in good shape, I’m playing at the World Cup, and above all I am a free agent, so what more could you ask for?!
“This is why so many clubs want me, and they are right! But for another five days, I am still a player of Al Ahli. After the Round of 16, we’ll meet up and I can tell you something else.”
The 29 year old is no stranger to Serie A, having come through Atalanta’s youth academy in 2015 before spells with Cesena and Milan. He joined Barcelona in 2022 but moved to Saudi Arabia just a year later, making 56 appearances for Al Ahli.
His return to Italian football would be welcomed by Juventus, who are seeking midfield reinforcements under Luciano Spalletti. Kessie’s 204 Serie A appearances have yielded 41 goals and 16 assists, a record that underlines his experience and quality at the highest level.
“My agent is working on it, we’re receiving a lot of calls, and that’s to be expected. I too would sign me at these conditions, both physically and financially!” Kessie grinned.
The main obstacle is financial. Juventus would need to agree a salary in the region of €4/5 million per season, a significant reduction from the €14 million he reportedly earns at Al Ahli. But as a free agent with World Cup pedigree and proven Serie A experience, Kessie represents a compelling option for a Juventus side looking to rebuild.
