Franck Kessie declines Juventus approach after talks over free transfer

Franck Kessie has told Juventus he does not want to join the club this summer, ending their month-long pursuit of the former Al-Ahli midfielder.

According to Sky Sport Italia, the Ivory Coast international has rejected the chance to move to the Serie A side during the current summer transfer window. Kessie is available as a free agent after his contract with Al-Ahli expired in June.

Juventus had been negotiating with Kessie’s representatives for more than a month in an effort to reach an agreement. The two parties also held a face-to-face meeting in Milan earlier this week, but the discussions did not lead to a deal.

Sky Sport reporter Gianluca Di Marzio said Kessie had informed Juventus that the conditions were not right for the transfer to be completed. The decision comes despite developments in the club’s midfield that had appeared to improve the possibility of an agreement.

Fabio Miretti’s move to Besiktas was thought to have created space for Kessie at Juventus. However, that change was not enough to persuade the 28-year-old to accept the proposed switch.

Kessie’s decision also leaves open the possibility of a move elsewhere in Italy. La Gazzetta dello Sport reported earlier this week that Roma were interested in signing the midfielder, although no agreement with that club has been reported.

Kessie began his senior career in Italy with Cesena before establishing himself at AC Milan. He later joined Barcelona and moved to Saudi Arabia to play for Al-Ahli. His availability without a transfer fee has made him an attractive option for clubs looking to strengthen their midfield without paying a fee for his registration.

Juventus begin their new Serie A campaign at home on the day of the report, when they host Parma at Allianz Stadium. The club will therefore continue its search for additions to the squad as the transfer deadline approaches.

The summer transfer window in Serie A closes on 1 September 2026 at 20:00 local time, leaving Juventus with time to consider alternative targets if Kessie’s refusal is final.

For now, the midfielder has made clear that he will not move to Juventus this summer, despite the club’s sustained negotiations and the apparent availability of a place in their midfield.