Kessié could join Barcelona as a free agent

Indications have shown that Barcelona coach Xavi has persuaded Milan midfielder Franck Kessié to snub offers from the Premier League and join the Catalans as a free agent.

The Ivory Coast international had refused to extend his stay with the Rossoneri. With just three months to his present deal, Kessie is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with any club ahead of a free move in the summer.

This has made him receive offers from several clubs in Europe, especially from the Premier League.

Calciomercato.com reports that the 25-year-old could join Barcelona because the  La Liga giants are finalising the last details with his agent George Atangana.

This is despite the offer of a higher salary from English clubs. However, Kessie seemed to change his mind and choose Barcelona, opting to move to Spain after a call from coach Xavi who persuaded him to move to the Nou Camp.

He could be fascinated by the club’s history, and he knows well that it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Thus, Kessié is now on the verge of finalising his move to Spain as talks between the Catalans, and the player’s agent will continue, but Kessié seems to have made up his mind about his next club.

Meanwhile, Milan could also lose Rafael Leao to Paris Sainte-Germaine.

This is following the latest reports in Italy that say PSG are ready to offer €70m for Milan star. The French giant is also considering Massimiliano Allegri and Antonio Conte to replace Mauricio Pochettino.

Meanwhile, the 22-ear-old Portuguese international has a contract running until June 2024. Despite this, the Rossoneri are in talks with his agent Jorge Mendes to extend the player’s stay at the club by two more years.

He has so far scored 11 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions this term, attracting the interest of many clubs in Europe. La Gazzetta dello Sport reporteds that PSG are ready to place a €70m bid.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed