AEK Athens join race to sign Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessié

Franck Kessié is attracting renewed transfer interest, with AEK Athens reportedly entering the race to sign the Ivory Coast midfielder ahead of a potential summer move.

The 29-year-old, who currently plays for Al Ahli, has continued to maintain a strong reputation in the transfer market following another successful season in Saudi Arabia.

His recent success in winning a second Asian Cup title has further enhanced his profile as speculation over his future grows.

Kessié is approaching the final months of his contract in Jeddah, and unless a renewal is agreed, he is widely expected to leave the club at the end of the current campaign. A return to Europe is considered a realistic option as he weighs up his next step.

AEK Athens are understood to have expressed formal interest in the midfielder and are considering putting forward a significant offer in an effort to secure his services.

The Greek club view Kessié as a high-profile addition who could strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new season.

However, they are not alone in the pursuit. Juventus are also reported to be monitoring the situation closely, with the Italian side potentially emerging as strong competition for his signature.

Any move is likely to depend heavily on financial considerations, with Kessié currently earning around €14 million per year in Saudi Arabia.

His salary is expected to be a major factor in negotiations, as it may require significant adjustment for interested European clubs.

His market value is estimated at approximately €12 million, reflecting both his experience at top European clubs and his continued influence at international level.

As the transfer window approaches, Kessié’s situation is expected to remain one of the more closely watched stories, with multiple clubs assessing whether a deal can be structured to accommodate his financial expectations.