Reliable sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, a specialist in player transfer news, revealed significant developments surrounding the future of Ivorian star Franck Kessié, the Al-Ahli Saudi FC midfielder. Romano explained on his YouTube channel that the player's agent is in contact with several major European clubs who have expressed serious interest in acquiring his services, most notably Italian giants Juventus.

According to reports, Kessie is currently at a crucial crossroads in his football career. His first option is to accept the lucrative contract extension offer presented by Al Ahly's management, reflecting the club's strong desire to retain one of its key players. His second option is to return to Europe, where he made his name, to continue his career at the highest competitive level.

Historical context and a rich history

This European interest comes in the context of Kessie's remarkable career. He rose to prominence in Serie A with Atalanta before moving to AC Milan, where he became one of the league's best midfielders. Nicknamed "El Boss" (The President) by Milan fans, Kessie was a key player in the team that won the Serie A title in the 2021-2022 season after a long drought. In the summer of 2022, he fulfilled his dream of joining Barcelona on a free transfer. Although he didn't secure a regular starting position, he made his mark with crucial goals. Then, in the summer of 2023, Kessie was among the most prominent international stars to join the Saudi Professional League, signing with Al-Ahli in a highly publicized transfer.

The importance of the decision and its expected impact

Kessie's anticipated decision is of paramount importance to several parties. For Al-Ahli, retaining a player of Kessie's caliber and experience underscores the strength of the club's sporting project and its ability not only to attract stars but also to keep them in the face of European offers. For Juventus, signing Kessie would be a significant and valuable addition to their midfield as they strive to return to domestic and continental glory, especially given the player's extensive experience in Serie A. On a personal level, the player faces a delicate balancing act between the substantial financial stability offered by the Saudi league and the sporting ambition of competing for major titles like the Champions League. He is expected to make his final decision within the next few days, outlining his next destination before the winter transfer window closes.

Crucial negotiations in the winter transfer window

Negotiations for the transfer of French star N'Golo Kanté from Saudi club Al-Ittihad to Turkish side Fenerbahçe have reached a critical juncture, with both parties facing a financial obstacle that could derail the deal during the current winter transfer window. Despite a mutual desire to finalize the transfer, the disagreement over the final fee persists, leaving the player's future uncertain as the transfer window nears its close.

Background of the deal and historical context

This development comes just months after N'Golo Kanté, a 2018 World Cup winner with France, joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2013 from Chelsea. His transfer was part of a major transfer revolution in the Saudi Professional League, which attracted prominent international players with the aim of raising the level of competition and the league's global appeal. Kanté, alongside his compatriot Karim Benzema, formed a formidable partnership that was expected to lead Al-Ittihad to domestic and continental success.

Details of the financial dispute

According to reports relayed by the reliable journalist Matteo Moretto, the main point of contention revolves around the transfer fee demanded by Al-Ittihad for their player's departure. The Saudi club is insisting on a fee between 12 and 15 million euros, which they consider appropriate compensation for losing a player of Kanté's caliber, as well as providing the necessary funds to find a world-class replacement to strengthen the squad. Fenerbahçe, on the other hand, is seeking to lower this amount, relying on the player's clear desire to return to European football.

The importance of the deal and its expected impact

For Fenerbahçe, signing Kanté represents a massive strategic boost to their midfield, as the team will benefit from his vast experience and exceptional defensive capabilities in their pursuit of the Turkish league title and their European campaign. For Al-Ittihad, Kanté's departure will leave a significant void in midfield, but it will also provide the financial flexibility to rebuild the squad. Regionally, the departure of a star of Kanté's caliber after such a short period may raise questions about the Saudi league's ability to retain its top players in the long term.

The player's stance and desire to return to Europe

N'Golo Kanté has shown considerable flexibility in finalizing the deal, with sources indicating his initial agreement to a significant pay cut to facilitate his move to the Turkish club. This willingness reflects his ambition to take on a new challenge in Europe. With time running out, the coming hours are expected to see intensive negotiations between the two clubs in a final attempt to bridge the gap and reach a mutually agreeable deal before it's too late.

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening its squad depth and maintaining its domestic and continental dominance, Al-Hilal's management has begun its transfer market activity to bolster the right-back position. Saeed Ba'atia, the Al-Fateh star, has emerged as a potential target for the upcoming period. This interest stems from the club's desire to provide strong alternatives and additional support in this crucial position.

Strategic background to Al-Hilal's interest

Al-Hilal is enjoying an exceptional season under the leadership of Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, comfortably leading the Saudi Professional League and delivering impressive performances. The club's management understands that competing for all possible titles, including the AFC Champions League and the King's Cup, requires a well-rounded squad with depth and quality in every position. Despite the outstanding performances of international player Saud Abdulhamid as a regular starter at right-back, the demanding schedule and numerous matches necessitate having another player of equal caliber to ensure consistent performance and the successful implementation of a rotation policy.

Who is Saeed Baatiya?

Twenty-five-year-old Saeed Baatia is considered one of the most prominent right-backs in the Saudi Professional League. He has established himself as a key player for Al-Fateh, delivering a balanced performance that combines defensive solidity with attacking contributions. This season, Baatia has featured in 18 matches across all competitions, providing one assist, highlighting his influential role with the team. His consistent performances have attracted the attention of major clubs in the Kingdom.

Impact of a potential deal and the future of negotiations

According to press reports, Al-Hilal's interest is still in its early stages, with informal contacts taking place between the administrations of Al-Hilal and Al-Fateh to gauge the club's stance on releasing the player. No official financial offer has been submitted yet, and the situation is expected to become clearer in the coming days. If the deal goes through, it would represent a significant addition to Al-Hilal's defense and enhance the options available to coach Jesus, while also marking a major step in the player's career by joining one of the continent's biggest clubs. Meanwhile, Al-Fateh will be seeking the best possible financial offer for one of their key players.

Al-Hilal is currently preparing to continue its league campaign, facing Al-Fayha on Thursday evening at the Kingdom Arena in the 17th round of the Roshan League. The "Leaders" enter the match at the top of the standings with 41 points, aiming for another victory to solidify their position at the summit.