Franck Kessie Eyes Juventus Move On Free Transfer Amid World Cup Talk

Franck Kessie says any club signing the midfielder this summer is getting major value, as the contract with Al-Ahli runs out at the end of June, leaving the 29-year-old available on a free transfer.

The Ivory Coast international is currently at the World Cup and insists the main focus remains on that tournament, yet Kessie also accepts that future plans are drawing attention, especially with links to Juventus gathering pace across European media.

Kessie confirms awareness of the speculation but stresses that nothing is agreed while the World Cup continues. “I did see the talk about Juventus, Kessie told La Gazzetta dello Sport. I am focused only on the World Cup, but I will just say one thing: I would be a great signing. Im in good shape, Im playing at the World Cup, and above all I am a free agent, so what more could you ask for?”

The contract with Al-Ahli ends three seasons after joining the Saudi Pro League club, and Kessie notes that this timing strengthens the position in the market, because any club landing a player with top-flight experience will not pay a fee.

Before moving to Saudi Arabia, Kessie built a strong record in Serie A. The midfielder impressed at Atalanta during the 2016-17 season, then moved to AC Milan for five campaigns, where Kessie played a key part in the 2021-22 Scudetto success.

Across time in Italy, Kessie has featured 204 times in Serie A, scoring 41 goals and providing 13 assists, figures that appeal to sides such as Juventus, who are searching for midfield options able to contribute in possession and in attack.

Kessie describes why interest appears strong from several clubs while also pointing out that a contract technically still runs for a few more days. “This is why so many clubs want me, and they are right! But for another five days, I am still a player of Al-Ahli. After the Round of 16, well meet up and I can tell you something else. My agent is working on it, were receiving a lot of calls, and thats to be expected. I too would sign me at these conditions, both physically and financially.”

Juventus, who are monitoring Kessie, finished sixth in Serie A last season after dropping points in four of the final five matches, with three draws and one defeat, and will open the 2026-27 league campaign away to newly promoted Frosinone.

The decision on Kessie’s next club is expected after Ivory Coast complete World Cup Round of 16 duties, and any move, whether to Juventus or another team, will follow discussions between Kessie, the agent and interested sides once World Cup commitments are finished.