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.