Franck Kessie’s next move in the balance as Al-Ittihad step up late interest

Al-Ittihad have returned to negotiations for Franck Kessie as the Saudi club look to complete a late move for the Ivory Coast midfielder during the current summer transfer window.

Kessie left Al-Ahli after his contract with the club expired and had been preparing for a new challenge. The 28-year-old’s preferred destination is Juventus, with the prospect of returning to Serie A, although that move has not yet been finalised.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Al-Ittihad have re-entered discussions with Kessie in an attempt to sign him in the coming days.

Sources cited by Al-Riyadiyah say Al-Ittihad have made significant progress in their negotiations with the midfielder. However, no official developments had emerged at the time of the report.

The club had previously explored the possibility of signing Kessie after his departure from Al-Ahli. The player nevertheless remained committed to joining Juventus, with a return to the highest level of competition understood to be his first choice.

Kessie’s future therefore remains unresolved, with Al-Ittihad now attempting to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding the proposed move to Juventus. The Saudi club’s renewed approach could create a late twist in negotiations that had appeared to be moving towards a return to Italian football.

Kessie joined Al-Ahli after leaving Barcelona and became part of the club’s midfield during his time in the Saudi Pro League. His spell ended this summer following the conclusion of his contract, allowing him to consider his options as the transfer window continues.

The latest reports do not confirm that an agreement has been reached with Al-Ittihad, nor do they indicate that Kessie has abandoned his preference for Juventus. They do, however, suggest that the Saudi club has advanced its position in the talks and is working to secure the player before the window closes.

For now, Kessie is caught between Al-Ittihad’s renewed effort and his ambition to return to Serie A with Juventus. The next stage of the negotiations is expected to determine whether the midfielder remains in the Saudi Pro League or moves back to Italy for a new challenge.