Franck Kessié's adventure at Barcelona is undoubtedly coming to an end. The latest news from Catalonia is not at all reassuring for the Elephant, who now knows that he will have to pack his bags and seek a new challenge elsewhere than with the Blaugrana.
The future is darkening in Catalonia for Franck Kessié. The Ivorian midfielder is no longer an important player for Barcelona. The former AC Milan metronome is no longer in the Blaugrana manager's plans. Xavi Hernandez seems to be clear on the subject of the midfielder. "Kessié? I've spoken to him and he knows the situation.It was a private conversation, as I've done with other players. It's not pleasant to have to tell a footballer that he won't get any minutes or that he won't play. But I'm the coach and I have to make those decisions. Being honest and sincere can be the first thing they take badly, but in the end they end up thanking you," says the Spaniard.
A clear message. Kessié now knows what he has to do. The Elephant must find a safe haven as quickly as possible and start his pre-season preparations with his new team of his choice.
The arrivals of Gündogan and Romeu, the two biggest obstacles
Kessié arrived at Barcelona as a free agent on 4 July 2022, despite having signed a contract running until 2026.But his first season in Spanish La Liga was a painful one. He was hampered by the competition in Barça's midfield, and did little to help him adapt. He played just 43 games, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists. And with the arrivals of Gündogan and Oriol Romeu, Kessié no longer has any room for manoeuvre.All the more so since, after his meeting with the Catalan management, he was given no guarantees.
Kessié could bounce back in Saudi Arabia, where Al Ahli are keen to sign him. However, given his young age (26), the Ivorian midfielder could be heading for Europe. His former clubs AC Milan and Inter Milan are also in the running to bring him back to the Calcio. With just a few months to go before his country, Côte d'Ivoire, hosts the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Kessié has no reason to blunder when it comes to making his choice.
