Report: Barcelona Midfielder Adamant To Stay, But Xavi Plans To Convince Him To Leave
In less than a year at Barcelona, Franck Kessie has already amassed more El Clasico headlines than many players have in their entire careers.
The Ivory Coast international has not had much prominence since his move to Catalonia last summer on a free transfer.
However, he was the man of the moment when Barcelona downed Real Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal as it was his shot that forced an Eder Militao own-goal on the night. Further, he had another goalbound shot blocked by his own teammate.
When the two teams met less than 20 days later in La Liga, it was again Kessie who scored a last-minute winner to send Los Blancos home empty-handed.
According to reports from SPORT, Kessie’s future at the club is uncertain. The 26-year-old has made it clear that he wishes to stay at the club next season even though he has attractive proposals on the table, but Barcelona do not echo his thoughts.
The Catalans are working around the clock to find ways to bring in revenue through player sales. This would open the doors for the arrivals they dream of and make the summer ordeal easier.
Kessie is one such player who Barcelona wish to sell in June and Xavi will reportedly speak to him and convey that a departure is the best move for all parties involved.
After all, Barcelona are close to securing an agreement with Ilkay Gundogan for a move this summer. With Pedri, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong already regular starters, Kessie will have a bare minimal role in the team next season.
The midfielder has made just five starts in La Liga all season and has two goal contributions to show. He also averages 0.3 key passes and just over four defensive actions per game.
Kessie is attracting plenty of interest from clubs in Italy while there are suitors in England as well. And even though he is insistent on staying, Barça plan to sell him, along with some other players like Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres as priorities.
