Barcelona's Kessie moves to Saudi side Al-Ahli
Barcelona's Franck Kessie has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, the Laliga club announced on Wednesday.
Al-Ahli will pay €12.5 million for the 26-year-old, who joined Barca from AC Milan in 2022.
However, the Ivory Coast midfielder struggled to secure a place in Xavi's starting line-up.
FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli SC have agreed on a 12.5 million euro transfer for the player Franck Kessie.
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 9, 2023
The story continues here! ????#WelcomeKessié
— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) August 9, 2023
pic.twitter.com/55kjQNCBYw
Al-Ahli have appointed Matthias Jaissle as manager on a three-year deal after Red Bull Salzburg sacked the German coach.
Kessie became the fifth Europe-based player to join Al-Ahli, who returned to the Pro league following a season in the second division, after Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Alain Saint-Maximin.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) have announced a Sports Clubs Investment and Privatisation Project involving the league champions Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.
PIF owns 75 per cent of each of the four clubs, while their respective non-profit foundations own 25 per cent of each.
