According to reports in Spain, Barcelona and Xavi are not convinced about former Milan midfielder Franck Kessié and are open to letting him leave in January.
The Ivory Coast international has reportedly prioritised a move to Italy in January, although Barcelona still haven’t received offers for the ex-Atalanta and Milan midfielder.
Kessié has made 13 appearances with Barcelona this term after completing a free transfer from the Rossoneri in the summer.
His agent has reportedly met the Catalans’ directors to discuss the midfielder’s future.
“In the beginning, Barcelona thought he’d become a replacement for Sergio Busquets. But then, they realised he was not the ‘pivot’ they were looking for, so they used him as a central midfielder (Mezzala),” said Italian journalist Matteo Moretto on YouTube during a live chat with Gerard Romero.
“Kessié can do it, but I think the change of position was an issue,” continued Moretto.
“When Kessié got injured, the club and the player were sad because the lad was playing well and the club saw some improvements.
“Clearly, he hasn’t delivered as much as wanted, but I think that Barcelona or Xavi’s stance has changed and now they are in this situation, so if a good offer arrives, he could be sold.”
Inter and Napoli have been linked with a move for the 25-year-old in January, but both Serie A giants are reportedly interested in a loan move with an option to buy, while Barcelona seek a permanent transfer.
Kessié has signed a €6m-a-year deal with the Catalans until June 2026.
Before his move to Camp Nou last summer, Kessié had played 204 games in Serie A and 36 in Serie B. He scored 37 goals in 223 matches with Milan, winning the Scudetto in 2021-22.
Leave him there to rot. I would not take him back. Technically he is weak. That is why he can’t cut it at Barcelona. Seeing him up close Xavi can see that now. Milan should definitely NOT take him back. The last few months when he knew he was leaving he played at 70% and hurt the team, especially in the Champion League games.
Xavi and Luis Enrique are playing an outdated game which was great 12 years ago. Many of the Spanish players were from Barca and they moved the ball back to side and repeated this very slowly against Morocco. It was the most boring show on earth. Only PhD Max would have wanted to see another 120 mins of reverse engineered back back. Kessie is more of a Cholo type player.
@Lord Kessie would love to be 1% of the mentality and determination/grit Simeone had. He is a bit more technical, more physical midfielder but not in the same park as the Cholo.
About this situation, I can only laugh. Karma is real
Now Leao should learn from Kessie and Calha situation.