Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper revealed that Ivorian Franck Kessié is close to moving to Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad.
Franck Kessié
Club: Al-Ahli
Kessié left Al-Ahli on a free transfer after his contract expired.
Kessié joined Al-Ahli in August 2023 from Spain's Barcelona, on a contract running until the summer of 2026.
The newspaper reported that Al-Ittihad reached a preliminary agreement with Kessié to sign him during the summer transfer window on a free transfer.
Earlier reports from Saudi newspapers stated that Al-Ittihad had begun moves to sign Imam Ashour, a player for Al-Ahli and the Egyptian national team.
However, after receiving several offers for Ashour, most notably from Turkey's Konyaspor, Al-Ahli closed the door on the player's departure and announced that he is not for sale at the current time.
Imam Ashour is under contract with Al-Ahli until the summer of 2028.
Al-Ittihad is also seeking to replace Fabinho.
Kessié won two consecutive AFC Champions League Elite titles with Al-Ahli.
Last season, Kessié made 42 appearances for Al-Ahli, scoring 12 goals and providing 6 assists.
Al-Ittihad drew 1-1 with Al-Akhdood in the first round of the Saudi League.
Al-Ittihad is preparing to face Al-Qadsiah at 9 PM today in the second round of the league.
