Franck Kessie is reportedly keen to return to Serie A, amid rumours linking the former Milan midfielder with Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma.
According to what has been reported by the Gazzetta dello Sport, via MilanNews24, the 28-year-old is ready to leave Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli and wants to reunite with his former coach Gasperini in Giallorossi colours.
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Gasperini and Kessie worked together at Atalanta and the reports suggest that the Ivorian is open to taking a pay cut in order to return to Italy’s top flight.
epa09357677 Franck Kessie (C) of Ivory Coast in action against Abdulelah Al Amri (R) of Saudi Arabia during the men’s soccer group stage match between Ivory Coast and Saudi Arabia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Yokohama, Japan, 22 July 2021. EPA-EFE/KIYOSHI OTA
Kessie to Roma? The details
Kessie currently earns a reported wage of €12 million per season but is willing to reduce this for Roma.
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – APRIL 18: Franck Kessie of Al Ahli controls the ball during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli and Al Fayha at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium on April 18, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
The reports from Italy indicate the major obstacle in the way of a deal is not the transfer fee itself but the Italian club’s need to balance their books in line with Financial Fair Play regulations. The Roman club would first need to offload players in order to finance the €14 million Al-Ahli want for the player.
Therefore, not much progress is expected until the start of July and after the Giallorossi have had the opportunity to make some sales.
