Al Ahli confirm departure of Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié

Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié has officially parted ways with Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli after the expiration of his contract, bringing an end to a successful three-year spell with the club.

Al Ahli confirmed Kessié’s departure in an official statement, announcing that the 29-year-old will leave as a free agent after deciding not to extend his stay beyond the end of June.

The former AC Milan and FC Barcelona midfielder joined Al Ahli on 9 August 2023 and quickly established himself as one of the team’s most influential players. His commanding presence in midfield, technical quality and leadership helped make him an integral part of the squad throughout his time in Saudi Arabia.

Kessié’s contributions were reflected in both his performances and his statistics. During his spell with Al Ahli, the Ivory Coast international made 119 appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 15 assists.

His impact extended beyond individual numbers, playing a significant role in one of the club’s most successful recent periods. During his time at Al Ahli, the club lifted two AFC Champions League titles as well as the Saudi Arabian Super Cup.

His displays also earned him the admiration of the supporters, who affectionately nicknamed him “Al Raïs” — meaning “the President” — in recognition of the leadership and influence he brought both on and off the pitch.

As they confirmed his departure, Al Ahli paid tribute to the midfielder with an emotional message on social media.

“Three years of dedication, hard work, and unforgettable memories. Your impact will always be remembered.”

The message reflected the esteem in which Kessié was held after becoming one of the defining figures in the club’s recent resurgence.

His departure closes a memorable chapter that saw him develop into one of the leaders of the squad while helping Al Ahli achieve domestic and continental success.

Now available as a free agent, Kessié enters the next stage of his career with considerable experience at the highest level.

Having previously represented AC Milan and FC Barcelona before his move to Saudi Arabia, the experienced Ivorian midfielder is expected to attract interest from clubs seeking an accomplished and proven presence in the centre of midfield.