Transfer Centre

Franck Kessie 'wants to leave Barcelona in January'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 30 October 2022

Franck Kessie wants to leave Barcelona in January, with AC Milan showing an interest in their former player, according to a report.

Franck Kessie is reportedly already looking for a route out of Barcelona, with the midfielder frustrated by his lack of action during the 2022-23 campaign.

The 25-year-old ran down his contract at AC Milan before moving to Barcelona on a free transfer, with the La Liga giants beating a number of clubs to his signature earlier this year.

Kessie was a key player during his time at Milan, scoring 37 goals and registering 16 assists in 223 appearances for the Italian giants in all competitions.

However, he has found it difficult to secure regular action this term, starting only four times since his arrival, twice in the Champions League and twice in La Liga.

Kessie played the full 90 minutes of last week's 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, but he was then an unused substitute against Valencia in La Liga on Saturday.

Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie on July 6, 2022 © Reuters

According to Fichajes, Kessie is unhappy with his current situation at Camp Nou and is keen to explore the possibility of a departure during the January window.

The report claims that Milan are interested in re-signing the midfielder, but a number of other Italian clubs are also keeping a close eye on his situation.

Barcelona would allegedly be willing to consider winter offers of around €40m (£34.3m), which would represent a huge profit on a player who moved to the club on a free transfer.

"He is fine and he has had his moments, but we have competition in midfield. He is training very well, but it is difficult for him. He is a great professional and I'm sure he'll have his chances this season," the Catalan club's head coach Xavi told reporters last week.

Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool were among the clubs to be credited with an interest in the Ivory Coast international earlier this year.

Franck Kessie celebrates scoring for Barcelona on August 13, 2022 © Reuters

Pedri, Gavi, Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong are among the midfielders ahead of Kessie in the pecking order when it comes to starting roles at Camp Nou.

Busquets is expected to leave Barcelona on a free transfer next year, while there remains ongoing speculation surrounding the future of De Jong, who was strongly linked with a summer exit.

However, Kessie allegedly already wants 'a change of scenery', having not accepted his role as a squad player at Camp Nou considering his success in Italian football.

Kessie could be handed a start against Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, with Busquets out through suspension, while Barcelona have two more league matches against Almeria and Osasuna before the season breaks for the World Cup.