In what comes as a blow to Tottenham in their pursuit of Franck Kessie, The Athletic have now revealed that the Barcelona star is close to signing for Saudi Arabain side Al-Ahli.
Multiple publications over recent days have reported on Spurs‘ interest in Kessie, with Mundo Deportivo even claiming a couple of days ago that the Lilywhites had ‘burst into the bidding’ for the midfielder amidst Barcelona’s negotiations with Juventus.
It was subsequently suggested by Fabrizio Romano on Thursday that Al-Ahli had also entered the race for the 26-year-old’s signature.
Kessie now edging closer to Al-Ahli – not Tottenham
If The Athletic’s latest update is to be believed, Spurs and Juventus are set to lose out to the Saudi side in the race for Kessie.
The report states that Barca have been actively trying to sell the Ivorian since the start of the summer but talks around a move to the Saudi Pro League broke down last month as the parties were not able to reach an agreement.
However, things are thought to have changed once the talks re-ignited following the conclusion of Barca’s pre-season tour, with the former AC Milan now said to be nearing a €15m (£12.9m) transfer to Al-Ahli.
Spurs Web Opinion
I am surprised that Tottenham seem to have allowed Kessie to move to Saudi Arabia without much of a fight. That indicates that the club are eyeing other midfielders as potential replacements for Hojbjerg/Ndombele.
It will be interesting to see who we move for as all indications are that Conor Gallagher is likely going to be out of our price range.
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