What’s true about Kessié joining Juventus

Franck Kessié could be heading back to Serie A, with fresh reports linking the former AC Milan midfielder to Juventus.

The Ivorian international, currently in the final year of his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, is not expected to extend his stay and this uncertainty has fueled speculation about a potential return to Italy.

Known as “The President” for his commanding presence in midfield, Kessié would be a valuable addition for any top-tier Serie A club.

Juventus, in particular, appear interested in securing his services as they aim to add strength and energy to their midfield lineup.

AS Roma were the first Italian club to make a move, with sporting director Frederic Massara initiating contact. However, the enquiry did not progress further.

Juventus have also shown interest recently. Reports suggest that sporting director Damien Comolli has considered including Kessié in a potential swap deal involving Nico Gonzalez, a player admired by Al-Ahli but not central to Juventus head coach Igor Tudor’s current plans. Despite this, no formal negotiations have taken place.

One major stumbling block is Kessié’s salary. He currently earns €18 million per year in Saudi Arabia—a figure far beyond the wage structure of most Serie A clubs.

For any deal to materialize, Al-Ahli would need to negotiate a significant financial settlement with the player, which complicates any early contract termination or swap scenarios.

As things stand, Juventus have not made any official offers, but they are keeping a close eye on developments.

Should Al-Ahli find a solution to the financial hurdles, the Bianconeri may be in a strong position to move, especially if Nico Gonzalez becomes part of the equation.

With the summer transfer window still open, there’s time for talks to evolve—but as of now, Juventus’ interest remains exploratory rather than concrete.