Franck Kessié, despite not clinching the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Ahli, has found a renewed sense of fulfillment. The end of this season marks a significant contrast to the “ordeal” he experienced at FC Barcelona. Kessié’s performance statistics highlight his resurgence at the Jeddah-based club.
After a triumphant season with AC Milan, where he secured the Serie A title, Franck Kessié joined FC Barcelona on a free transfer, aiming to further his young career.
However, his tenure at the Catalan club turned into a difficult period. Despite scoring crucial goals, the 27-year-old midfielder faced constant criticism and struggled to fully integrate into the team.
Kessié’s move to Al-Ahli last summer marked the beginning of a new chapter.
The Ivorian midfielder quickly adapted and became one of the standout players for the Saudi club throughout the season. His transition has been nothing short of a renaissance.
Leaving behind a challenging season at FC Barcelona, Franck Kessié joined Al-Ahli, a club newly promoted to the Saudi Pro League with ambitious goals.
The team’s signings before the season indicated their high aspirations, and their third-place finish validated their efforts. Kessié played a pivotal role in this achievement.
The Ivorian, who had previously achieved African champion status, signed a three-year contract with Al-Ahli.
Kessié’s arrival on August 9, 2023, was swiftly followed by his debut match two days later, which ended in a 3-1 victory.
His impact was immediate; he even captained the team in the absence of Firmino in his second match. Unlike his time at FC Barcelona, Kessié found his rhythm and excelled from the outset.
By his third match, he had already scored his first goal. Over the season, Kessié played 31 league matches, netting 10 goals and providing 4 assists.
These figures surpass his performance at Barcelona, where he scored only three goals in all competitions, and are also better than his first season in Serie A.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Kessié has rejuvenated his career and performance.
Despite a successful season with Al-Ahli, there are murmurs about Franck Kessié potentially leaving the club after just one year, even though he still has two years left on his contract.
Rumors suggest he is on the radar of Al-Qadsiah, another Saudi club. Although the probability of him transferring this summer seems low, the possibility cannot be entirely dismissed.
In football, nothing is ever certain. Currently, Kessié’s market value stands at 18 million euros, according to Transfermarkt.
Franck Kessié’s journey with Al-Ahli has been a story of redemption and success. His impressive stats and impactful performances have not only brought him personal joy but also contributed significantly to his team’s accomplishments.
Whether he stays with Al-Ahli or moves on, Kessié’s future in football looks promising and full of potential.
