Ex AC Milan midfielder, Franck Kessie has left Barcelona to join Al-Ahli. The Saudi Arabian club recently confirmed the deal on its social media page, and fans have been reacting.
Having joined Barcelona only a year ago, the Ivorian made the switch after going down the pecking order in the Baugrana side after the signing of Ilkay Gundogan and former Southampton side, Oriol Romeu.
The price for Kessie was stated to be €12.5 million (£11m/$14m) by both clubs in their official confirmation.
WOW.
Franck Yannick Kessié (born 19 December 1996) is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays as a central or defensive midfielder for Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli and the Ivory Coast national team.
Born in Ouragahio, Kessié began his career in Stella Club d’Adjamé, joining their youth setup in 2010. In 2014, he was promoted to the first team.
On 29 January 2015, Kessié signed a three-year contract with Serie A club Atalanta. He was assigned to the club’s Primavera squad upon his arrival and contributed with seven appearances for the side. His first match in Europe occurred on 1 March, as he started in a 2–0 away win against AC Milan Primavera.
On 18 April 2015, Kessié was called up to the first team for a match against Roma, but remained an unused substitute in the 1–1 draw the following day.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate