25-year-old Serie A star 'a step closer' to joining Barcelona - Reports
AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie is reportedly a step closer to joining Barcelona as a free agent this summer. Based on a recent report from Rudy Galetti via The Hard Tackle, Kessie has accepted Barca's €6 million-a-year contract offer and is set to move to Catalunya next season.
Franck Kessie joined AC Milan in 2017 from Italian side Atalanta BC and signed a five-year contract with the Rossoneri. Over the years, Kessie has improved by leaps and bounds as he has become one of the best midfielders in Serie A.
The Ivorian has been instrumental in AC Milan's great run of form this season. Over his fiver-year-stint with Milan, Kessie has made 212 appearances for the club and has managed to chip in with 36 goals and 16 assists.
🚨🚨| Christensen & Kessié WILL join FC Barcelona this summer, barring any last minute surprises.
@Luis_F_Rojo [🎖️]
The Ivorian's current contract with AC Milan will expire in the summer of 2022 and he has no intentions of extending his contract with the Rossoneri. Milan did try their best to convince Kessie to extend his contract, but the 25-year-old had already made up his mind to leave the club.
Over the past few months, there have been strong reports linking Franck Kessie with a move to Barcelona. The transfer now looks very likely as a recent report from Rudy Galetti has stated that Kessie is one step away from joining the Catalans this summer.
Barcelona will be getting a talented player as a free agent if the deal ends up happening this summer. His presence in the squad could considerably boost the club's midfield and the Ivorian could eventually turn into a replacement for veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets. The report also revealed that Kessie has already accepted a €6 million-a-year contract that was offered to him by Bluagrana.
Xavi says Barcelona are still in with a chance to win La Liga.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez's recent comments about his side's chances of winning La Liga has uplifted the confidence of Cules. Xavi stated that Barca's chances of winning La Liga is very difficult but not impossible. The Barca legend pointed out that mathematically, his side still have chances of winning La Liga. He also added how Real Madrid's form would determine his side's chances of winning as Los Blancos are the current table toppers.
Since Xavi’s first game as Barcelona manager [20th November 2021] only Real Madrid [36] have picked up more points in La Liga than Barcelona [31].
Under Xavi, Barca [2.21] are picking up an extra 0.71 points per game than they were under Ronald Koeman [1.50].
Progression. 📈 https://t.co/d2yeIzNtx0
Real Madrid are currently leading the race to win La Liga as they have earned 63 points from 23 games. Barca, on the other hand, only have 48 points from 22 games.
Mathematically, the Catalans still have a chance to win the title, however, it is highly unlikely if Los Blancos end up losing their 15-point lead this season.