Franck Kessie returns to Atalanta with leadership role already clear

Franck Kessie has made an immediate impression at Atalanta, with team-mate Ederson praising the midfielder’s calm personality and leadership qualities following his return to Bergamo.

The 29-year-old Ivory Coast international rejoined the Serie A club as a free agent after leaving Al-Ahli and has signed a contract lasting several seasons. Kessie first played for Atalanta in European football before departing in 2017, but he returns as a far more experienced player with a long list of honours behind him.

Kessie scored seven goals and provided four assists during his final campaign in his first spell at the club. His influence away from the pitch, however, appears to have been noticed before he has had the opportunity to prove himself in competitive action.

Speaking to Brazilian media outlet Trivela, Ederson said Kessie had settled into the squad naturally. The Atalanta captain had known of the Ivorian’s reputation as a footballer but had never met him before his return.

Kessie was described as calm, approachable and willing to speak to everyone in the dressing room. That character has made a strong impression, particularly given the profile and honours of a player who might otherwise be expected to keep a greater distance from a new group.

His development since leaving Atalanta has been significant. Kessie has won the Italian championship with AC Milan, La Liga with FC Barcelona and several trophies in Saudi Arabia. His most important international achievement came with Cote d’Ivoire at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Kessie played a central role in that triumph, scoring the equaliser in the final against Nigeria as Cote d’Ivoire secured a third continental title. He has since become captain of the national team, taking on the responsibility and pressure of leading the Elephants in major matches.

That history helps explain why Ederson already sees him as a potential figure of authority within Atalanta. Kessie is expected to begin Saturday’s match against AS Roma on the substitutes’ bench, though his return will be closely watched as he adapts to the demands of Serie A after three seasons in the Saudi Pro League.

His final campaign with Al-Ahli suggested that his influence remains considerable. Kessie scored 12 goals and registered six assists in 42 appearances, figures that underline his continued attacking contribution from midfield.

Under manager Maurizio Sarri, his physical strength, ability to make forward runs and experience at the highest level could complement Ederson’s energy in the centre of the pitch. Although the move carries obvious emotional significance because Atalanta was his first European club, the team’s priority is for Kessie to contribute as quickly as possible.

His return will also be welcomed in Cote d’Ivoire, where Herve Renard has taken charge of the national side. Kessie’s move back to one of Europe’s major leagues gives him the chance to play more regularly in high-level matches and increases his exposure ahead of his continued international role.

Nine years after leaving Bergamo as a promising young player, Kessie is back with a different task: to become one of Atalanta’s senior leaders. Ederson’s early assessment suggests that he already has the personality required to do so.