Juventus preparing move for Al Ahli star Franck Kessie
Juventus are exploring the transfer market ahead of the January window, and one name that has quickly risen to the top of their shortlist is Franck Kessie. The Ivorian midfielder, who currently plays for Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, could soon be on his way back to Serie A. With his proven track record in Italian football and experience at both Atalanta and AC Milan, Kessie is seen as a valuable option for the Bianconeri as they aim to reinforce their midfield.
The 28-year-old has adapted well at Al Ahli, where he has already made 87 appearances, contributing 17 goals and 9 assists. His box-to-box dynamism and physical presence have made him a reliable performer at club level, while his international career with Ivory Coast further underlines his pedigree. For his national team, Kessie has played 90 matches and scored 12 goals, cementing himself as one of their most influential figures in midfield. This combination of domestic and international experience makes him an attractive profile for Juventus, especially as the Turin giants seek to build balance and depth in their squad.
Reports from journalist Giovanni Albanese highlight that Juventus are actively considering midfield reinforcements during the winter transfer market. The uncertainty around Teun Koopmeiners’ situation and the possibility of Weston McKennie leaving the club have forced the Bianconeri to assess different alternatives. While Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has long been admired in Turin, the complexities of securing his transfer in January make the move highly difficult. Similarly, Sandro Tonali has been linked but talks remain at a very early stage, leaving Kessie as a more realistic target.
For Juventus, the potential signing of Kessie could provide both stability and versatility. His Serie A background means he would require little adaptation time, a crucial factor for a team aiming to strengthen immediately in mid-season. His ability to play as a defensive anchor or as a more advanced midfielder adds tactical flexibility, something Igor Tudor has often emphasized in building his squads. Moreover, Kessie’s physical strength and stamina could complement existing midfield options while easing the workload on key players during a busy second half of the campaign.
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Financial considerations will play a major role, as Juventus may need to sanction a sale before moving for Kessie. However, the growing speculation suggests that the Ivorian is firmly on their radar. With Al Ahli potentially open to negotiations and Juventus eager to secure an impactful signing, the January transfer window could present the perfect opportunity for Kessie to return to Serie A.
As the market approaches, Juventus supporters will be eager to see whether the club can finalize a deal. While other targets remain under discussion, Franck Kessie stands out as a practical and proven option. His arrival could mark an important step in strengthening the Bianconeri’s midfield as they push to achieve their domestic and European objectives in 2025.
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Should Juventus make a move for Franck Kessie?
Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.
