Barca reaches agreement with AC Milan star Franck Kessie
The FC Barcelona hierarchy have already started the process of building the team for next season. According to the latest reports, the club has reached an agreement with AC Milan star Franck Kessie for his arrival in the summer. With his Milan contract running out in the summer, Kessie’s arrival to Barca will be a free one- a major plus point considering the club’s well-documented financial constraints. He is expected to earn around €6.5m net salary per season at Barca.
Xavi Hernández was key in the negotiations for Kessié to Barcelona. Franck’s more than excited - turning down two Premier League bids with higher salary to join Barça. 🔴 #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 15, 2022
Contract not signed yet but verbal agreement sealed, as reported by @gerardromero. pic.twitter.com/843Tyqi1Jb
Reportedly, Xavi was instrumental in the negotiations for Kessie to the club, as has been the case with the other new signings since his arrival as the manager. Moreover, Kessie is also said to have turned down two lucrative offers from the Premier League to play for Barcelona.
The arrival of Kessie to Barca with his profile will add a new dimension in the midfield. The central midfielder, known for his box-to-box play, will be an exciting option for Xavi to choose from, which also increases the competition for places in the already stacked midfield. Riqui Puig, as reported, would have to find a new club after the signing of Kessie to look for more game time.
Barcelona have reached an agreement to sign Franck Kessié on a free transfer from Milan this summer, per @gerardromero pic.twitter.com/g6VoC0L3OU
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 15, 2022
Since joining AC Milan from Atalanta, the 25-year-old Ivorian has been vital for his side with quality performances from the midfield. Under Stefano Pioli, Kessie has played some of his best football in his career, which expectedly attracted interest from some of the top clubs across Europe. This season, he has found the net five times for the Rossoneri in 22 league appearances and has played a key part in Milan leading the Serie A table.
Earlier this week, Barca, reportedly, also completed both signings of both Danish centre-back Andreas Christensen and Moroccan right-back Noussair Mazraoui on free deals. Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is also expected to join the Blaugrana on a free transfer this summer.
Next. Transfer Update: Noussair Mazraoui to Barcelona confirmed. dark
Under Xavi, the club has been on a fine run of form with some impressive performances in the league. Barca next plays Galatasaray in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League encounter in Istanbul on Thursday. The first-leg finished goalless at the Camp Nou.