FC Barcelona remain a hub of activity in the ongoing summer transfer window. With the club’s hierarchy necessitated to secure departures from the squad, they face resistance from players unwilling to budge.
Frank Kessie is one of the names the Catalans are desperate to find suitors for. Amidst growing competition in midfield and the need to clear wiggle room in the wage bill, the Ivorian international has been deemed as a disposable asset in the current squad.
As per Mundo Deportivo, Kessie’s potential departure may be intertwined with the case of Paul Pogba. The Frenchman has already turned down a lucrative offer of €100 million for three seasons from Saudi Arabia and is expected to receive a counter-offer of €150 million.
In the event Pogba decides to call it quits on the European stage, Kessie is being reported as Pogba’s replacement at the Italian club. Pogba visited the Al-Ittihad facilities in Jeddah over the past weekend, but Al-Ahli, the team that previously attempted to hire Max Allegri as coach, also wants him.
Observing how the saga with Pogba develops, Juventus are interested in acquiring Kessie’s services on a loan, with a mandatory purchase option. Kessie has garnered experience in Italy, having plied his trade with AC Milan prior to joining the Blaugrana. As such, Bianconero see him as a valid potential successor.
However, on the flip side, the report argues that Kessie is hellbent on continuing in Barcelona. The Ivorian only sees himself fighting for a place in the squad next season and would only contemplate hitting the exit door if an extraordinary offer comes his way. If he has to leave, the Premier League remains his top priority.
For now, Barcelona depend on external circumstances to see their exit operations materialize. Kessie’s departure would go a long way in terms of achieving their financial and recruitment goals, but refusal from the player to jump ship stands in the way.
