According to the latest reports out of Spain, Tottenham Hotspur are ‘serious’ about their interest in Barcelona’s Franck Kessie, and could beat Juventus to the midfielder this summer.
Kessie only signed for Barcelona last summer, arriving on a free transfer from AC Milan. The Ivorian didn’t have a bad season for the Catalan side either, racking up 43 appearances and bagging three goals and three assists along the way (Transfermarkt).
However, rumours persisted throughout the campaign that Kessie could be moved on by the Spanish side. More often than not, it was Tottenham who were at the forefront of that speculation, too.
Now, it has emerged that Kessie is no longer wanted by Barca boss Xavi Hernandez (Diario AS). This news may have come at the perfect time for Spurs, who are facing the prospect of losing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Atletico Madrid during this transfer window (Daily Mail).
As a result, it has emerged that Spurs are once again looking at signing Kessie to bolster their midfield (The Times).
Tottenham mean business when it comes to Kessie
Now, a fresh report from Sport (30/07/23 via Sport Witness) claims Tottenham are ready to beat Juventus to the signature of the combative midfielder, as their interest in Kessie will not go away.
It is suggested that Tottenham will make a decision next week as to whether to sign Kessie or not. While that choice is still unclear, what is apparent is that the North London side are “serious” about their pursuit of the player.
The Lilywhites have the upper hand over Juventus in the race to sign Kessie, too. Apparently, the Serie A side only want to negotiate a loan deal with an option to buy, whereas Spurs could meet Barcelona’s valuation of €15m (£12.9m) and sign him permanently.
Kessie himself is reportedly not keen on returning to Italy anyway, which also plays into Tottenham’s hands.
The 26-year-old has been told he will be a peripheral figure for Barca this season, and now understands that the “best option” is to move on this summer.
Spurs Web Opinion
If Hojbjerg does leave, Franck Kessie would be a very strong replacement and would come fairly cheap, too.
If it’s a toss-up between paying £50m for Conor Gallagher, or £13m for Kessie, I would much rather us go for the Ivorian as he is cheaper and more of a physical presence in the middle of the park.
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