Juve head coach Igor Tudor is eager to strengthen his squad, but there are limitations when it comes to chasing their targets. Either a high transfer fee or a steep salary will deter the Turin titans this summer.
Yet Juventus are among the teams that have been associated with targeting a central midfielder who currently commands a whopping annual wage of €14 million (US$16.4m). However, he is plying his trade in the cash-rich Saudi Arabia League.
Ivory Coast international star Franck Kessie is being linked with Turkish giants Besiktas as well as Serie A sides Fiorentina and Juventus. Discussions between Juventus and Kessie’s representatives are believed to have taken place.
Although Al-Ahli FC have slapped a transfer fee of €14m on the 28-year-old, this would most likely be greatly reduced as he only has one year remaining on his lucrative contract.
AC Milan to Barcelona
Kessie played over 200 Serie A games during his five-year spell at AC Milan, and spent one season at Barcelona before joining Al-Ahli FC in August 2023. His current contract is unlikely to be renewed.
A return to the Italian top tier is only feasible if he is willing to take a dramatic salary cut, with a switch to Juventus more suitable to both parties next summer.
The Bianconeri are currently cash-strapped while Kessie’s wages cannot be matched in Serie A.
He would be a strong addition to Juve’s midfield with a natural hunger for goals on top of his pace, power and strength.