Juventus meet with Kessié's agents over two-year contract proposal
Quick summary
Juventus have held talks with the representatives of midfielder Franck Kessié regarding a potential two-year contract, according to reports from Italy.
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Attributed to original sourceWhile Juventus look to miss out on Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee to Fiorentina, they did meet with Franck Kessie’s agent today, with Fabio Miretti arriving at Besiktas.
The Bianconeri are still a work in progress after the start of the new season, and continue to make big changes on the transfer market.
Kessie staff meet with Juventus JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – APRIL 18: Franck Kessie of Al Ahli controls the ball during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli and Al Fayha at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium on April 18, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images) Sky Sport Italia had footage today of the meeting between Kessie’s representatives and Juventus directors, including Frederic Massara and Giovanni Carnevali.
The former Atalanta and Milan midfielder is a free agent after his three years with Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, and eager for a return to Serie A.
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – APRIL 29: Franck Kessie of Al-Ahli Saudi reacts during the AFC Champions League Elite Semi Final between Al Hilal and Al Ahli at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on April 29, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images) Roma have also been linked with the 29-year-old Ivory Coast international, but it’s reported Juventus lead the race with a two-year contract and option for a third at €4.5m per season.
There are also performance-related bonuses to add on to that salary.
Juve are making room in midfield by selling Miretti to Besiktas, and he landed in Istanbul this afternoon to be greeted by fans.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Fabio Miretti of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) That is a loan with option to buy for circa €15m.
Meanwhile, Zirkzee had long been a target for Juventus, but Fiorentina are now in talks with the Manchester United striker for a loan with option to buy at the end of the season.
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What happened
Juventus are exploring a move for Franck Kessié, with club officials having met the midfielder's agents to discuss a proposed two-year deal. Kessié currently plays for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League after leaving Barcelona in 2023. The Ivorian international previously starred at AC Milan, where he was a key figure in their 2021-22 Serie A title win. The move would see Kessié return to Italian football, though no agreement has been confirmed at this stage.
Chance analysis
Juventus are casting a wide net in midfield as they look to reinforce on a budget, and Kessié fits the profile of a physically imposing, experienced operator available outside the top transfer-market bracket. A return to Serie A for the Ivorian would mark a significant step down from his Barcelona spell but also a step up in competitive level compared to Saudi Arabia. If the deal goes through, Kessié would bring top-flight European pedigree and Milan-era title-winning experience to the Juventus engine room, though questions remain about his form since leaving European football.
A completed deal would strengthen Juventus' midfield options with a battle-hardened, title-experienced player returning to Serie A.