Franck Kessie: Besiktas eye move for IvorianItalian free agent midfielder

Besiktas are being linked with a move for IvorianItalian central midfielder Franck Kessie, who is currently a free agent after leaving Saudi Arabian side AlAhli SFC at the start of July.

The 29-year-old, valued at 12.00m on Transfermarkt, is listed as Without Club following the expiry of his contract with AlAhli on 1 July 2026, and Turkish Super Lig club Besiktas have emerged as a possible destination, according to the latest transfer listings. The probability of a deal remains unclear, with the move currently rated only as ? in rumour indicators.

Kessie, born in Ouragahio on 19 December 1996 and standing at 1.83m, is primarily a central midfielder and plays mainly with his right foot. He holds dual nationality with Cote dIvoire and Italy, reflecting a career that has been built largely in European football.

Before his spell in Saudi Arabia, Kessie joined Barcelona from AC Milan in July 2022 after a highly-valued period in Serie A, and later moved on to AlAhli in August 2023. His last club match for AlAhli came in the 202526 Saudi Pro League, but the provided data does not include specific fixture or performance details, so his recent individual statistics are not listed.

Kessies market value has fallen from a peak of 55m during his time at Milan in 2021 to the current 12m, but his experience at Atalanta, Cesena, Milan, Barcelona and AlAhli still makes him one of the most highprofile free agents on the market this summer.

Besiktas, who compete in the Turkish Super Lig, are monitoring the situation as they assess a potential free transfer. If the move materialises, it would offer Kessie a return to European competition and a fresh context to reassert his reputation at the top level.