Juventus have accelerated talks to sign Franck Kessié as a free agent after Khephren Thuram was ruled out of the entire pre-season with a knee problem.
The 29-year-old Ivorian midfielder is available on a free transfer after refusing to extend his contract with Saudi club Al-Ahli. According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, negotiations between the Bianconeri and Kessié’s camp have progressed in recent weeks, but a deal is far from agreed because of the player’s wage demands.
Key facts:
Kessié’s situation: Free agent after leaving Al-Ahli.
Thuram’s injury: Knee problem rules him out of pre-season.
Juventus’ stance: Unwilling to match current salary expectations.
Thuram blow forces Juventus into the market
Thuram, who joined Juventus last summer, has been a regular in midfield, but the knee issue – details of which have not been disclosed – will see him miss the club’s preparations for the new Serie A season. With the Frenchman sidelined, coach Thiago Motta is left with limited options in the engine room, making a move for an experienced midfielder a priority.
Kessié, who previously played in Serie A for AC Milan, has the physicality and tactical intelligence to slot straight into the side. The 29-year-old is also familiar with the demands of Italian football, having spent five seasons at San Siro before moving to Barcelona and then Saudi Arabia.
Wage demands remain a sticking point
Despite the mutual interest, Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus are not prepared to meet Kessié’s current salary expectations. The player’s representatives are being asked to lower their demands, and talks are ongoing to find a compromise. The absence of a transfer fee does not automatically make the deal straightforward; the overall package still needs to fit into the club’s wage structure.
For Juventus, the next few days will be crucial. With Thuram’s injury adding urgency, sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is working to push through a deal, but Kessié’s camp must come down on their requests if the former Ivory Coast international is to secure a return to Serie A.
