Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie has agreed to join Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli, just a day after links to Liverpool re-emerged.
Ever since Kessie’s future at the Catalan club looked uncertain, the Ivorian was linked to Liverpool. However, the Reds weren’t sure about the 26-year-old and delayed the decision.
Moreover, the 26-year-old was rumoured to be on the Reds’ radar before joining Barca last summer. He was also mentioned as being an option for Jurgen Klopp more recently.
Now, as per Fabrizio, the Barcelona man has agreed to join Al-Ahli for the next season.
Kessie – Another Liverpool target missed
We have seen Saudi Arabia being more active in the transfer market than all of the European clubs combined.
After being brilliant for AC Milan, the Ivorian joined Barca for free hoping to replicate his Serie A form in La Liga.
However, he failed to do so even though he won the league under Xavi. He wasn’t able to be the main man in the midfield.
Now that the Catalan outfit have brought in Gundogan after winning the treble with Manchester City, they have offloaded Kessie.
Being targeted by the Reds, Klopp would have loved to have the AC Milan Kessie at Liverpool. However, having an underwhelming campaign with Barca, the Reds wouldn’t have needed to take the gamble on the Ivorian.
Nevertheless, that isn’t to say Kessie wouldn’t have been worth having another look at.
At £13m, he would still have been a really good piece of business for the Reds. He isn’t quite the defensive midfielder they’re crying out for right now, but he’s versatile, physical, and also a goal threat.
Now the Ivorian would join former Reds player, Bobby Firmino at Al-Ahli. Now that the saga is put to bed, Klopp could see other potential targets to bring in.
The main midfield target is Romeo Lavia, who has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Merseysiders.
However, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool and Southampton would agree on a fee for the Belgian.
I’m a football enthusiast and an avid writer and someone who lives by the Bill Shankly quote, on a day to day basis.
