Franck Kessie’s agent has quashed rumors of a potential move to Premier League duo Fulham or Aston Villa while telling Calciomercato the former AC Milan star has no intention of leaving the La Liga giants Barcelona.
Since moving to Spain on a free transfer in the summer, Kessie has only started three La Liga appearances. And only twice in the Champions League.
But, as the Ivorian representative points out, none of this came as a surprise to Kessie. With Gavi, Pedri and Sergio Busquets already in place at Camp Nou, and with Frenkie de Jong remaining, the former Atalanta youngster always knew he would have a battle on his hands to secure a first-team place under Xavi. Hernández.
And it’s not a battle Kessie intends to walk away from.
Franck Kessie should leave Barcelona for Aston Villa or Fulham
“Franck has never been happier than today,” explains George Atangana. He achieved a goal that for many players remains only a dream, that of playing for Barcelona. And I challenge anyone to say otherwise.
“(His lack of playing time is) nothing we didn’t already plan for. It is clear that over time he expects to play more. But we have (just) arrived in Spain and here the philosophy is different. Franck adapts to a new type of football.
“That’s certainly not what scares him. On the contrary, these (challenges) are all stimuli, part of a growth process. It’s only a matter of time (before he becomes a key player for Barça).
“Everyone at Barcelona is very happy with the player. And I want to make it clear once and for all that a departure from Barcelona is not expected today.”
Kessie, who earns £105,000 a week in Catalonia, was recently linked with a potential £20m move to Fulham or Aston Villa, via Sport.
With Pau Torres, Nicolas Jackson and Mikel Merino also said to be on Villa’s radar, Unai Emery’s arrival as head coach could coincide with high profile additions from the Spanish top flight.
But, whatever happens, Kessie will not be among them.
“(The new signings) are adapting very well to the team. Physically, Kessie is a very strong player,” says Xavi, highlighting the different types of presence the 25-year-old brings. He is the dynamo in a midfield. of delicate terrain.
“(Kessie) can get to the back line and cross. It’s important (for him and the other newcomers) that they start getting to know our idea of the game.”
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