Franck Kessie completes Atalanta return as midfielder resumes Serie A career

Franck Kessie has officially rejoined Atalanta on a free transfer, with the Ivory Coast midfielder returning to the club where his European career began nine seasons ago.

Atalanta confirmed the signing on Saturday after Kessie’s contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli expired. The 29-year-old will now begin a new spell with the Italian side, bringing him back to Serie A after several seasons in Saudi Arabia.

Kessie played a key role during his time in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists in 42 appearances across all competitions last season. His performances attracted interest from several domestic clubs, but he opted to return to Italy when the opportunity to rejoin Atalanta arose.

The move represents a significant return to the starting point of Kessie’s European career. He previously played for Atalanta nine seasons ago, making 31 appearances for the club and scoring seven goals while contributing four assists.

His performances in Bergamo led to a transfer to AC Milan, where he developed into one of the most prominent midfielders in Italian football. Kessie went on to win the Italian league title with Milan in the 2021-22 season.

After leaving Milan, he spent time with Barcelona before moving to Al-Ahli, giving him experience in Italy, Spain and Saudi Arabia. His return to Atalanta adds another chapter to a career that has already taken him across three major football leagues.

Atalanta’s decision to bring Kessie back gives the midfielder the chance to continue his career in the country where he first established himself at the highest level. His earlier spell with the club was brief but productive, and his latest season in Saudi Arabia showed he remains capable of making a substantial contribution in midfield.

Kessie’s free transfer follows the conclusion of his agreement with Al-Ahli, meaning Atalanta will not pay a transfer fee for the player. The club’s announcement formally confirms his return to Serie A and reunites him with the side that helped launch his European career.

The Ivory Coast international now faces a fresh challenge with Atalanta, having already won major honours with Milan and gained experience at Barcelona and Al-Ahli. His latest move marks his return to Italian football after several years away and brings his career back to the club where it began.