Kessié goes to Al-Ahli and leaves 12.5 million in Barcelona’s coffers

2023-08-10 01:12:20

Franc Kessié’s adventure at Barcelona has lasted a year. The African player knew first-hand, as he had discussed it with Xavi, that he was not going to count for much this season, who was going to be his second as a Barça player, and has agreed to be transferred to Saudi Arabia, to Al-Ahli, to change of 12.5 million euros. It is not a very high amount, but it is a profitable operation for the needy Barça, who hired a free Kessié in the summer of 2022.

The midfielder did not want to renew with Milan to go to Barcelona and his role grew in importance as the season progressed and injuries arrived. In total, he ended up playing 48 games (1,797 minutes), 17 of them as a starter, in which he distributed three assists and scored three goals. The one most remembered by the fans is the one he achieved against Real Madrid in the Camp Nou Clásico, which made it 2-1 at the last minute and left the League practically on a platter for the Catalans.

Surely Barcelona could have gotten more money for the transfer, but they are in great need because the League is starting now and they still have to register several players: the signings and those who have become a first-team player. The club thanked the footballer who, according to what “Sport” published, is leaving upset because he understands that they hired him for free to sell him the following year and make cash. The arrival of Gundogan and Oriol Romeu made it even more difficult for him than last year to have minutes in a midfield in which De Jong, Gavi and Pedri are essential for Xavi. These 12.5 million join the 20 that he already obtained for the return of Griezmann to Atlético, the 7 that Sporting Lisbon paid for Trincao and the 8.3 from Porto with Nico, for whom the Barça club saved an option shopping. Busquets, Jordi Alba, Umtiti and Collado have gone free.

Dembele is missing

The transfer of Dembélé to PSG remains to be completed, which will mean a minimum of 25 million euros for the club, which is not much considering the cache that the winger had. The renewal operation at Barça went through sales, but an important one has not yet arrived in this market. “Until August 31 we can’t talk,” acknowledged Xavi, who repeatedly asks to reinforce the team.