EXCLUSIVE: Franck Kessie completes move to Al-Ahli

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 8 Aug 2023 07:02 CDT
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Franck Kessie has completed his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

The midfielder has signed for the Middle East side, joining from Barcelona for €15million. Kessie had been linked with a move from the La Liga side over the summer transfer window.

Now we can reveal that the 26-year-old has finalised a switch to Al-Alhi, with just the announcement pending.

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Kessie spent one year at Barcelona, arriving from AC Milan. He made for Xavi but played less than 1,000 minutes and the club ultimately wanted to sell in order to raise funds for the window ahead of the new campaign. We are told that Kessie has signed a lucrative contract, snubbing long-standing interest from Tottenham,

Kessie was linked with Juventus as well, who reportedly wanted a loan-to-buy deal for the player, but he chose a move to Saudi Arabia.

Kessie was again an unused substitute as Barcelona beat AC Milan in their pre-season friendly in the States. He was given 45 minutes of action in four of their pre-season matches so far.

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Xavi on Kessie's future

Speaking to reporters after the game, Barca manager Xavi was asked why Kessie was not involved.

"Franck Kessie did not play due to a slight illness," he said, before adding: "Regarding his future, he knows exactly what the situation is."