Cote d’Ivoire midfielder Franck Kessie has left FC Barcelona to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli in a transfer deal worth 12.5 million euros. The 26-year-old’s move comes after just one season with Barcelona, following his free transfer from AC Milan. During his time at the club, Kessie scored three goals in 43 matches, with 16 of those being starting appearances.
The official statement from FC Barcelona confirmed the 12.5-million-euro transfer agreement with Al-Ahli SC for Franck Kessie. The club’s website also expressed gratitude for Kessie’s dedication and wished him success in the future.
Kessie bid farewell to his Barcelona teammates and underwent a medical evaluation in Paris before heading to Jeddah to join his new team, Al-Ahli. He has signed a three-season contract with the Saudi club.
With Kessie’s departure, Barcelona’s first-team roster now consists of only 12 players. This number could decrease further if Ousmane Dembele’s speculated transfer to Paris Saint-Germain becomes reality.
Barcelona faces financial challenges in incorporating new signings like Inigo Martinez and Ilkay Gundogan into the squad, alongside players like Alexander Balde, who recently secured contract extensions. If the club struggles to navigate La Liga’s financial fair-play regulations, the upcoming season opener against Getafe might predominantly feature players from the B-team.
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-IANS
