Juventus consider Franck Kessie move as salary demands remain key issue

Juventus are continuing discussions with Franck Kessie’s representatives as they assess whether to sign the Ivory Coast midfielder, who is currently a free agent.

The Serie A club remain seriously interested in bringing the 29-year-old to Turin and are working behind the scenes to determine whether a deal can be reached. Negotiations are focused on the player’s entourage, with talks between Juventus and his agent still ongoing, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Those discussions are intended to establish the conditions for a possible move. While no agreement has been reached, the continued contact indicates that Juventus’ interest in Kessie remains concrete rather than merely exploratory.

Kessie is waiting for a further indication from Juventus and would welcome the opportunity to return to Serie A. The midfielder previously played for AC Milan and is understood to view a move back to Italy positively.

However, salary expectations remain the main obstacle to any potential transfer. Juventus believe Kessie would need to accept a reduction in his financial demands before the operation could be completed.

The midfielder is currently valued at €12m by Transfermarkt. Despite that valuation, his status as a free agent means Juventus would not have to negotiate a transfer fee with another club. The club’s focus is instead on whether the financial terms of a contract can be made acceptable to both parties.

Kessie’s previous earnings are an important part of those discussions. He was paid an annual salary of €20m, equivalent to 13bn CFA francs, while playing in Saudi Arabia. Juventus therefore want the player to lower his wage expectations if he is to join the club.

The negotiations are continuing through Kessie’s representatives, with the Italian club still evaluating the possibility of completing the move. For now, the player remains without a club and is awaiting Juventus’ position, while the financial gap between the two parties must be addressed before an agreement can be reached.

Kessie’s potential return to Serie A would come after his earlier spell with AC Milan. Juventus’ interest has kept that possibility alive, but the club’s requirement for a reduction in salary means the next stage of talks will be decisive in determining whether the move to Turin progresses.