Franck Kessie: Ivory Coast midfielder linked with Al-Ittihad return to Saudi Pro League

Ivory Coast and Italy international Franck Kessie, currently without a club, is being linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad as he weighs up his next step after leaving Al-Ahli this summer.

Kessie became a free agent on 1 July 2026 following his departure from Al-Ahli, with his market value currently estimated at 12m, and Al-Ittihad are understood to be exploring the possibility of bringing the 29-year-old back to the league. Any move would not require a transfer fee, lowering the financial barrier for one of Saudi Arabias leading clubs to secure a player with extensive top-flight and continental experience.

The central midfielder has already built a substantial resume across Europes major leagues, making more than 200 Serie A appearances and playing in LaLiga before his switch to Al-Ahli in 2023. During his time in Italy and Spain he collected league titles with AC Milan in 2021-22 and Barcelona in 2022-23, adding to his reputation as a proven performer at the highest level.

Kessie arrives on the market in strong form. He has just completed a standout campaign in Saudi Arabia, winning back-to-back AFC Champions League titles with Al-Ahli in 2024-25 and 2025-26 and finishing as top scorer in the 2025-26 Saudi Super Cup with three goals as his side lifted the trophy. On the international stage, he was part of Ivory Coasts Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad in 2024 and featured prominently at the 2026 World Cup, starting all of his countrys four matches and scoring once.

For now, Kessie remains unattached after his contract expiry at Al-Ahli, with Al-Ittihad among the clubs monitoring his availability as he considers his next destination.