Franck Kessié's Intentions for Juventus Move

Franck Kessié has made his choice. After a lucrative spell at Al Ahli, the Ivorian midfielder wants Europe again. More specifically, he wants Serie A. And within Serie A, he wants Juventus.

While several clubs have tested the waters for the 27-year-old, Kessié is effectively on standby for the Bianconeri. His contract in Saudi Arabia has ended, his next move is open, and he is prepared to wait for the call from Turin.

Waiting for Juventus – and Spalletti

Kessié’s priority is clear: a return to Italian football under Luciano Spalletti at Juventus. That ambition explains why, despite interest from elsewhere, he has not rushed into signing with another team.

Crucially, his status as a free agent changes the game. He is not tied to the transfer window’s deadline, so while other clubs scramble to complete business before it shuts, Kessié can afford to be patient. Juventus know it. So does he.

The midfielder has already held talks with Juve in recent weeks and, according to reports, has made it clear he wants the move. His stance is strengthened by a key relationship behind the scenes.

The Massara connection

Sky Sport Italia reports that Frederic Massara is playing a central role in this story. The Juventus director previously worked with Kessié at AC Milan, and that shared history has helped convince the player that Juve’s interest is genuine and sustained.

Massara’s presence offers reassurance. It is one of the reasons Kessié feels comfortable waiting rather than jumping at other proposals. He believes Juventus have a plan for him and that the club will act once their internal puzzle is solved.

For now, that means no rush. No panic. Just patience.

Juventus juggling their market

Inside Juventus, the priorities are slightly different. The club want to complete deals for players who are not free agents first, because those transfers must be finalised before the window closes. Kessié, unattached, sits in a different category.

That distinction buys the Bianconeri time. They are working on outgoing transfers and other signings, and only once those moves are in place are they expected to push decisively for Kessié.

Massara has reportedly assured the midfielder that Juventus will move at the “right time”. Until then, the club focus on sales, squad trimming and non-free-agent arrivals. Kessié, meanwhile, waits on the outside, knowing the deadline does not apply to him.

A move on hold – but not in doubt

All of this leaves Kessié in a rare position of leverage. He wants to return to European football, he wants Serie A, and he wants Juventus. The club, for their part, see him as a realistic option once their squad is reshaped.

The midfielder has little incentive to accept another offer quickly. His preferred destination is clear, his flexibility in the market is a major advantage, and his trust in Massara and Spalletti keeps him aligned with the Turin project.

Now it comes down to Juventus. If they can clear space and complete their other business, the path opens for Kessié. If they do, the Ivorian’s long wait for a return to Italy could end with a move that has felt inevitable for weeks.