Franck Kessie opts for Atalanta reunion in bid to revive Serie A career

Franck Kessie has officially rejoined Atalanta after being released from his contract with Al Ahli, completing a return to the club where he first established himself in European football.

The 29-year-old midfielder had been expected to move back to Italy for several days, and Atalanta have now confirmed the agreement. Kessie’s priority was to resume his career in the Italian league, despite strong interest from Juventus.

The Ivory Coast international chose a familiar setting in Bergamo as he looks to begin a new chapter in his career. Atalanta confirmed that the captain of the Elephants has signed a three-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2029.

Kessie’s first spell with Atalanta lasted from 2015 to 2017 and played a significant role in his emergence on the European stage. His performances in Bergamo attracted attention from some of Italy’s leading clubs, and he subsequently moved to AC Milan.

During his time with AC Milan, Kessie became an important part of the side and helped the club win the Italian league title. His return to Atalanta therefore represents more than a move back to Serie A: it takes him to the club that provided the platform for his rise to prominence.

The midfielder arrives after ending his time in Saudi Arabia with Al Ahli. He had been valued at €12m and was reported to have earned an annual salary of €20m in Saudi Arabia, equivalent to 13,000,000,000 CFA francs.

Atalanta’s immediate focus will be their next Italian league fixture, against Bologna in the second round of the championship. The match is scheduled to take place soon after the announcement of Kessie’s return.

The source article also gives the betting prices listed by 1xBet for the fixture. Atalanta are priced at 1.83 to win, while a draw is listed at 3.60 and a Bologna victory at 3.90. It also contains a reference to downloading 1xBet.

Kessie’s signing gives Atalanta an experienced international midfielder with previous knowledge of the club and the Italian game. His three-year agreement means the Bergamo side have secured his services through 2029, while the player returns to the environment in which he first made his name.