FRANCK KESSIE NEWS

Barcelona midfielder Kessie close to finalising Al Ahli transfer Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie is close to finalising a €15m (£12.9m) transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli. The Athletic previously re...

AUGUST 3, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Al Ahli keen on Barcelona's Kessie Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie is the subject of transfer interest from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli. The Spanish champions, who signed th...

JUNE 28, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Takes three shots in season finale Kessie took three shots (one on target) and won one of one tackles in Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Celta Vigo. He also made a clearance and an interception in the match.

Impact Kessie tallied two goals and one assist in 34 appearances (10 starts) across La Liga and the Champions League during his rookie campaign in Barcelona, but he had a knack for popping up from midfield when it really mattered as his performances against Real Madrid attest to. The 26-year-old has three years left on his contract with Barcelona, but the club's financial problems are well known and it's possible they are forced to sell Kessie this summer.

JUNE 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scores goal against Real Madrid Kessie subbed into Sunday's El Clasico match in the 77th minute, scoring a goal and creating a chance in the 2-1 victory.

Impact Kessie scored his first La Liga goal on Sunday, and what a time to do it, completing his side's come-from-behind win in El Clasico in the 92nd minute and virtually locking up Barcelona's first league title since 2018/19. Kessie remains mostly a backup option on this team in midfield but he can pop up with a huge, decisive moment like this as an impact substitute.

MARCH 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Barca's Franck Kessie and Sergi Roberto may have won La Liga. You had to be there Barcelona triumphed against Real Madrid thanks to two unlikely heroes. This felt like a decisive victory

MARCH 20, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Araújo leads defensive Barcelona to win at Madrid in Copa

Barcelona has built its reputation on dominating possession and trusting its attack to overwhelm opponents

MARCH 3, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Records assist in win Kessie created two chances and assisted a goal in Sunday's 3-0 victory against Sevilla. He also made an interception and won one of two tackles in the match.

Impact Kessie replaced an injured Sergio Busquets (ankle) early on in Sunday's game and then had arguably his best performance so far in a Barcelona shirt as he assisted Jordi Alba's opening goal. Kessie could get a start in midfield next weekend against Villarreal if Busquets isn't fit enough in time.

FEBRUARY 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to full fitness Kessie (thigh) returned to full fitness for Saturday's clash with Espanyol, Barcelona announced.

Impact Kessie is back to full fitness and should be fit and available for Saturday's derby. The midfielder missed the final two matches before the World Cup break through injury but was able to recover with the month off. Kessie was in and out of the starting XI, making 13 appearances but just five starts in the first half of the season.

DECEMBER 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Barcelona's stance on Franck Kessie transfer amid widespread interest Franck Kessie has emerged as a transfer target for several clubs across Europe following his slow start at Barcelona.

DECEMBER 7, 2022 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Barcelona's stance on Franck Kessie transfer amid widespread interest Franck Kessie has emerged as a transfer target for several clubs across Europe following his slow start at Barcelona.

DECEMBER 7, 2022 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Likely out six weeks Kessie is expected to miss six weeks with a torn muscle in his thigh, according to Javi Miguel of AS. Official confirmation is still needed.

Impact Kessie has started in two straight UCL matches but has since picked up another muscular injury. The opening to his Barca career has featured more news of injuries and a lack of minutes than of his contributions on the pitch, so Kessie isn't in an ideal spot should this injury be confirmed.

NOVEMBER 2, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Comes off limping Kessie came off limping during Tuesday's Champions League clash with Plzen.

Impact Kessie was unable to continue after limping following a sprint. This is a concern for Barcelona after the midfielder was only medically cleared from a muscular issue in October. Kessie hasn't been a frequent starter and his absence would merely limit rotational options off the bench.

NOVEMBER 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared for Inter matchup Kessie made the squad list for Wednesday's match against Inter Milan after getting medical clearance.

Impact Kessie only missed one match due to his muscular injury after much of the defense came away from the international break with various muscular issues. As much of the midfield hasn't suffered the same fate, Kessie isn't guaranteed to start as he's been picked from kickoff three times in eight appearances.

OCTOBER 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Barcelona hosts Celta before key games vs Inter and Madrid

Barcelona hosts Celta Vigo on Sunday needing to regain some winning momentum before critical matches against Inter Milan and Real Madrid over the coming week

OCTOBER 6, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Has thigh injury Kessie has suffered a strained adductor in his right thigh, his club announced Wednesday. According to Javi Miguel of AS, Kessie could be back within a week in time for the Oct. 16...

Impact Kessie adds yet another injury to a team that's struggled to get fit since the international break. He had started two straight games before Tuesday's UCL loss to Inter Milan but could now be out for two games at the least due to a busy schedule until the World Cup. With Frenkie de Jong returning from his own injury, losing Kessie shouldn't hurt the depth in midfield too much.

OCTOBER 5, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Comes off bench in draw Kessie put two shots off target in 18 minutes of Saturday's scoreless draw with Barcelona.

Impact Kessie doesn't really have a place in the lineup if Gavi, Pedri and Busquets are all fit but as a new signing he should play plenty early in the season. If he sticks around long-term, Kessie will help back up Busquets as he ages.

AUGUST 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Madrid starts Spanish league defense aiming for title sweep

Real Madrid starts the Spanish league season overflowing with confidence that it can retain the domestic title despite Barcelona spending big to add top talent to its team

AUGUST 11, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Barcelona reaches agreement to sign Koundé from Sevilla

Barcelona says it has reached an agreement to sign France defender Jules Koundé on a transfer from Sevilla

JULY 28, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Barcelona makes offer to Bayern for Lewandowski

Barcelona's president says the Spanish club has made an offer to Bayern Munich for star striker Robert Lewandowski

JULY 7, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Barcelona strengthens squad by adding Kessie, Christensen

Barcelona has boosted its midfield and defense by signing Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen

JULY 4, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Signs with Barcelona Kessie has agreed to a four-year contract with Barcelona, joining on a free transfer from Milan, the team announced.

Impact Kessie decided not to extend his contract after a successful five-year run at Milan, where he averaged 8 goals per season, although he was often taking care of penalty kicks. He primarily brings physicality and balance, but he is no slouch on offense. He hit the next six times in 2021/2022, adding 38 shots (11 on target), 44 tackles, 28 interceptions and 31 chances in 36 appearances (29 starts).

JULY 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Hit the net against Sassuolo Kessie took two shots (one on target), created two chances, won four duels and scored a goal in Sunday's 3-0 win over Sassuolo.

Impact Kessie ended his Milan stay in positive fashion by bagging his first goal since late December thanks to a tap-in. He has scored six times, provided an assist and tallied 45 tackles and 28 interceptions in 36 appearances (29 starts) this season. He is headed to Barcelona on a free transfer.

MAY 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Wins four tackles versus Atalanta Kessie drew one foul, had one clearance and won four of five tackles and 11 duels in Sunday's 2-0 win over Atalanta.

Impact Kessie focused on defending in this one, mostly because of the caliber of the opponents. He has not contributed much to the offense in the last three months and has not hit the net since late December. He has logged seven shots (three on target), four chances, 12 tackles (six won) and three interceptions in the last five matches. Milan will face Sassuolo away in the season finale.

MAY 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Fires three shots Kessie took three shots (one on goal) and created a chance during Friday's 2-0 win over Genoa.

Impact Kessie was held off the scoresheet as Milan claimed all three points on Friday. The midfielder finished with the second highest amount of chances created on the team while leading Milan with three shots in the win.

APRIL 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Wins five duels versus Torino Kessie took one off-target shot, sent in one inaccurate cross, had two blocks and won five duels in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Torino.

Impact Kessie did not get much going in the final third like the rest of his teammates, and he provided a decent contribution to the passive phase. He has logged seven shots, four chances, two interceptions and two clearances in the last five matches. Milan will host Genoa Friday.

APRIL 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE