Barcelona reportedly reach deal with Franck Kessie
Barcelona on track to sign the AC Milan midfielder ahead of next season
To reinforce the team ahead of next season, Barcelona is heavily scouting the free agent market to try to find value.
They’ve apparently found one and are close to reinforcing the midfield in the shape of AC Milan’s Franck Kessie.
According to ESPN, the Catalans are set to make Kessie their second signing for the 2022-2023 season alongside Chelsea center-back Andrea Christensen.
Kessié's salary will be €4m net, but he could earn €2.5m more based on bonuses. [@gerardromero]
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 15, 2022
Kessie had been heavily linked with Barcelona but it was understood there was competition from other sides, including some from the Premier League.
The 25-year-old is going to face some heavy competition once his signing becomes official. As it stands, Xavi counts on the likes of Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Nico Gonzalez, Riqui Puig and Sergi Roberto.
Breaking into the starting line-up with some of the names on the list is going to be a tough task.
Barcelona have signed Kessié because of his physical deployment. He won't be a permanent starter, but he'll give the midfield a lot of competition. [sport]
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 15, 2022
His pending arrival may also mean some departures.
Sergi Roberto’s contract expires at the end of the season and all indications seem to point at an exit as the club has yet to sit down with his representatives on a possible extension. Riqui Puig is another candidate likely to leave as he’s gotten very little playing time.
It will be interesting to see what role he occupies. He plays in central midfield and does a lot of things well both offensively and defensively. Given Busquets’ age, he may initially be used as his replacement.
He does offer goals as he’s scored on five occasions in 22 appearances for AC Milan.
He’s been an important part of the Serie A side’s set up and is one of the reasons they find themselves atop the table in Italy. Kessie now brings his talent over to the Camp Nou.
Next. Barcelona make quick work of Osasuna. dark
With Kessie all but locked up, Barcelona may not yet be done making free agent signings.