Mercato: Al-Ahli wants to bring Franck Kessié back

Al-Ahliwants to bring Franck Kessié back to Saudi Arabia. According to Sacha Tavolieri, reporting for Sky Sport Switzerland, the Saudi club has officially inquired about the conditions for the Ivorian midfielder's return, who is currently a free agent since leaving Al-Ahli at the end of June. Initial contacts have been made, but no agreement has been reached yet.

The idea of a return is nonetheless gaining traction. Kessié knows the club and the Saudi Pro League inside out, having established himself as a key figure at Al-Ahli between 2023 and 2025. Above all, the midfielder is said to be interested in the project put forward by his former club.

A career that reached the summit

Trained in Ivory Coast before moving to Italy, Kessié made his mark at Cesena and then cemented his place at AC Milan. Between 2017 and 2022, he played 223 matches for the Rossoneri, scoring 37 goals. His work rate, power, and ability to break forward made him a vital part of Milan’s midfield.

He notably contributed to Milan’s return to the summit of Italian football. In the 2021-2022 season, he helped clinch the Scudetto after being one of the team’s standout performers.

His level of play then earned him a move to FC Barcelona. Joining as a free agent in 2022, he featured in 43 matches during his sole season in Catalonia, starting 16 times and scoring 3 goals. The club especially highlighted his impact against Real Madrid, with a decisive goal in La Liga and a key involvement in an own goal during the Copa del Rey.

The Ivorian also left his mark at Al-Ahli

Transferred to Al-Ahli in 2023, Kessié quickly regained his influence. His time in Saudi Arabia was especially marked by a major trophy: the 2025 AFC Champions League, won by Al-Ahli against Kawasaki Frontale. Kessié notably scored the second goal in the final.

His influence went far beyond that of a mere holding midfielder. His strength in duels, line-breaking ability, and effectiveness at both ends of the pitch made him an especially valuable asset.

A return after two seasons at the top

At Al-Ahli, Kessié continued to build his trophy cabinet with a continental title and gained crucial experience in Saudi football. He also won the 2023 AFCON with Ivory Coast, cementing his status as a leader of the Elephants.

A return to Al-Ahli would allow the club to bring back a player they know well, but above all, a 29-year-old midfielder with solid European and international experience.

For now, no negotiations have come to fruition. But Al-Ahli has clearly made the first moves. And if talks progress, Kessié could soon return to an environment where he already left a significant mark.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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