Juventus are reportedly monitoring the situations of Theo Hernández and Franck Kessié, with both former AC Milan stars considering a return to European football after their spells in Saudi Arabia.
Juventus’ interest is more concrete in the case of Kessié. The Ivorian midfielder’s contract with Al-Ahli expires in June 2026, and renewal talks have yet to begin. Since joining the Saudi Pro League side, Kessié has made 96 appearances, scoring 21 goals and providing 11 assists over two and a half seasons.
Juventus have been linked with Kessié in previous transfer windows, but a move never materialized. This time, the circumstances could be different given his contractual situation and the lack of progress on an extension.
Theo Hernández’s case appears more complicated. Mediaset reports that the French left-back has struggled to fully settle at Al-Hilal and is open to leaving. However, a return to Milan has been ruled out after Hernández publicly criticized the club’s management over how his departure was handled.
Juventus have already made preliminary inquiries ahead of the summer transfer window, but significant obstacles remain. Hernández earns around €20 million per season in Saudi Arabia and would need to accept a substantial pay cut to join the Bianconeri. Additionally, he is under contract until 2028, having joined Al-Hilal in a €25 million move.
Juventus’ reported interest in Saudi-based stars has previously been used as leverage in negotiations, most recently with Sergej Milinković-Savić, who renewed his contract shortly after similar rumors emerged. While the Kessié link could follow the same pattern, Hernández’s situation appears more fluid.
That said, Juventus would face stiff competition for the Frenchman’s signature, both from wealthier clubs and other European sides, should he decide to leave Saudi Arabia so soon after arriving.
For now, Juventus are watching closely as the summer transfer window approaches, with both players representing intriguing but challenging opportunities.
