A year ago
Al Ahli has officially declared the acquisition of Franck Kessie, with the Ivorian midfielder signing a contract for a duration of three seasons. This transfer marks Kessie's departure from Barcelona, who are set to receive a transfer fee of 12.5 million euros for the transaction.
Barcelona is actively engaging in the ongoing market activities. In their most recent move, the Catalan club has announced the departure of Franck Kessie. The Ivorian player, who became a part of the Barcelona squad last summer on a free transfer, is bidding adieu to the team to embark on a new chapter in Saudi Arabia.
Franck Kessie, previously associated with AC Milan, is now joining the ranks of Al Ahli. This Saudi Arabian club already features prominent football figures like Mahrez, Firmino, Edouard Mendy, and Saint-Maximin, indicating the Gulf state's growing appeal for elite players from European football. The consistent recruitment of top-tier players underscores the Arabian league's efforts to establish itself as an attractive destination for competitive football.
As corroborated by the renowned transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, Al Ahli has compensated Barcelona with a sum of 12.5 million euros for the transfer. This financial transaction will contribute to Barcelona's adherence to the 'Financial Fair Play' regulations, enabling the club to potentially pursue two new player acquisitions. The funds from this transfer, in conjunction with those from the transfer of Dembele, are anticipated to bolster Barcelona's transfer endeavors.
The transfer not only facilitates Barcelona's financial considerations but also alleviates the wage bill by the amount of €6.5 million net annually, which was attributed to Kessie's contract. In return, Kessie's decision to sign a three-year contract with Al Ahli brings him a substantial boost in earnings, with his annual income now exceeding 20 million euros.
It's worth noting that earlier attempts by teams such as Juventus and Tottenham to persuade Kessie to join their ranks were unsuccessful. Reflecting on his performance in the previous season, Kessie participated in 43 matches, contributing three goals and three assists. These efforts resulted in 26 victories, six draws, and 11 defeats for his team.
Kessie's transfer to Al Ahli aligns with the broader trend of prominent players embracing the growing competitive environment in Arabian football.
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